New Work

My client is the adored mother of a large Texas family. She is ultra-feminine and possesses an energetic, fun, slightly swashbuckling charisma that captivates everyone who knows her. She loves growing flowers and is an expert on birds. The tree in the painting is an ancient Osage Orange tree on the property and is the beloved site of special family events. The family calls it the “Wedding Tree,” and its sprawling, welcoming branches are festooned with glowing lanterns at night during parties, and it is especially romantic during engagements and weddings. To that end, I included something old, new, borrowed and blue in the painting. In fact, the painting is filled with references to a happy family life and Mrs. Willoughby’s hobbies and interests, including flowers for the children and grandchildren, and bluebonnets in the field.

Chef, outdoorsman, business owner, dog trainer and legendary connector of people–There is a fascinating article about Mr. Arze in the Washington Post, here.

What I love most about this portrait is that in telling the story of the relationship between Mr. Arze and his working dogs Blitz and Kuno, it says so much about who he is as a person. A gifted trainer, to see him work with these dogs and the way they respond to him is remarkable. As I painted the dogs, I came to understand so much about them. Blitz, the black and white dog (on the left as you look at the portrait) has won many awards and has a reputation for being the steady-Eddy. Solid and reliable. Blitz is a gentleman’s Pointer, and a true gentleman Pointer. Stalwart and brave, he’s the finest example of a working dog, and is entirely devoted to Mr. Arze. Kuno, the roan and white dog (on the right of the portrait) is younger and is a bit of a wild man. He’s energetic, still learning, and is more likely to make us laugh. I had planned to capture the dogs’ breeding and beauty, but I was also struck by how much character and emotion is communicated in their eyes and body language. Blitz’s face is Zen-calm. Everything about him—the way he sits, the noble way he holds his head, the look in his eyes—speaks of his confidence, experience and laser focus. Kuno’s posture and that little bit of worry on his face gives him away–despite his antics, his deep devotion to Mr. Arze is obvious and one can see how seriously he actually takes his duties. Both have a look of determination and readiness to work and I love the energy of the portrait.

“I remember …looking down at the dogs and just feeling happy with them and content with the day.”

Mr. Arze told me that the day was breezy, overcast and beautiful. He said “I remember standing in the field looking down at the dogs and just feeling happy with them, and content with the day.” I’m thrilled with how that comes through in the painting. Many thanks goes to the brilliant and breathtakingly talented photographer Andy Tran of Muddy Shutter Media. The best photographers and media production marketing company in the world today. One look and you’ll understand why I say this. If you have not yet experienced their powerful, flawless work, hold on to your hat–you can find them here.

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