I was delighted to be commissioned to paint this bulldog, called Harold, recently. Harold has a real presence, don’t you think?

I recommended that I paint him in ‘landscape’ rather than ‘portrait’ orientation so that he would fill the whole frame.

This was the first time that I had painted a dog in the medium of oils and he was certainly fun to paint. I started by painting a “Burnt Sienna” background in acrylic on the oil paper and built up the (water soluble) oil paint in layers, starting with the darkest colours first and getting lighter.

Harold is currently being mounted and framed. My client can’t wait to see this commission of Harold which is a present for his partner’s 30th Birthday. I must admit that I am feeling quite excited to know what my client’s reaction is and how his partner reacts. I am now looking forward to doing more oil paintings of animals, dogs in particular.

Here are just some of the comments I have received thus far about “Harold”:

“Oh what a brilliant portrait. Such a great expression – almost looks fed up! – All the creases in his jowls and fur/ whiskers are perfect.” (Clare H.)
“Absolutely stunning. Could not have captured him better”. (Corinna)
“You have caught its expression well and all the folds of the skin. Excellent painting, Kate”. (Fiona S.)
“Brilliant Mum. You smashed it.” (Emma L.)
“Incredible brushwork”. (Joanna Y.)