MAX

a group of commissioned pet portraits in black and white acrylic paint

Max Ear, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on paper, 9" x 12", Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Collection of Gemma and Phil Dees).

While blocks of contrasting value emphasize features like Max’s shaggy ear and snaggle tooth, diagonals energize the composition. Wisps of white fur crest Max's forehead countering the soft grey of his bare neck in this intimate pet portrait.

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MAX is a loving dog whose devoted adoptive pet-parents have nursed through serious health issues. The paintings were commissioned to honor that special bond between him and his caretakers Gemma and Phil Dees.

Painting Max was initially a challenge because his long fur is not what I was used to. (Ironically, Max is a Chinese Crested and has a hairless body.) The earlier “Dog Studies” were composed around the sleek outlines of short haired dogs. What finally drew me in were the spots on Max’s chest, and the wisps and curls at his head and feet.

Read about the commission process here.

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Max n Cookie, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on canvas, 8” x 14”, Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Commissioned for the Collection of Gemma and Phil Dees).

Max Ear, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on paper, 9" x 12", Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Collection of Gemma and Phil Dees).

Max Chest, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on canvas, 10" x 16", Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Collection of Gemma and Phil Dees).

Max Bangs, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on canvas, 6” x 6”, Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Collection of Gemma and Phil Dees).

Study Max Ear black, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on paper, 4 ½” x 6”, Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis, (Private Collection).

Study Max Chest grey, 2015, (Dog Studies, Max), acrylic on paper, 6” x 4 ½”, Elizabeth Lisa Petrulis.