Oil on canvas, 24”x30”

I loved the photo reference for this painting. The dog is upside down, wearing the kind of goofy, joyful smile that makes dogs so irresistible. I rarely paint animals or people from this angle, which made this painting both a creative challenge and a lot of fun to work on.

Her expression captured something so simple and pure: playfulness, love, and total trust. It reminds me of the ways animals teach us to be present and open-hearted. I think that’s why this painting stands out to me as one of my most unique and successful portraits. It radiates happiness.