Ozzy

Here is my latest dog commission (and the first in 2009), an adorable Beagle named Ozzy. Ozzy is the canine nephew of my friend Trish. Here is a bit of his story, in Trish's words: "Poor Ozzy has been through a lot in the past few years. He was attacked by a [dog] and had quite a recovery with a bad infection that compromised his sight. He has aged quickly since then, as anyone would." How sad! But Ozzy looks like a trooper to me.

Trish supplied me with some recent photos, as well as some older shots of Ozzy. The recent ones reflect the tough times Ozzy has faced; some of his fur has gone gray/white. Still quite a handsome boy, but I chose to paint him with his younger-days, classic Beagle coloring. I'm happy with the results...and so is Trish and her three adorable daughters.

I've known Trish since I was 6 years old. We went to school together for 12 years. I'd lost touch with her in college and beyond, but through the magic of Facebook we are back in touch. Trish remembers how art was my thing in elementary school, which makes me smile. I'm so honored to create a portrait of this very special dog for her brother-in-law. Thanks, Trish! [I should also mention–-because he told me to–-that I've known Trish's wonderful husband Dave for over a decade as well. He's awesome.]