Yay! It's approved! I'm always flattered when someone wants to commission me to paint a portrait of their furbaby, especially when they plan to give it as a gift to a loved one. It took me a bit to get this pup's eyes just right, but in the end I'm very pleased with how he turned out :-) I think what did it for me, was to not add white to his eyes. Look closely. I used greyish blues to bring in the light source.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time!

 I just completed another #dogportrait, and thought I would share a few progession photos of my work. Please bear with me as I fumble through this post. 

As you can see, in this pic the dog is looking like a dog, but there's not enough fur detail
I get it, it's only 8 inches square, but it looked so unfinished to me. I mean, come on, it's a #goldenretriever , one of the hairiest, furriest dogs on the planet! And there was nothing behind those eyes. To me, the eyes and the nose are th most important of a #petportrait ... But that's just me.

A little better, but not much. 

Ah yes, this is Indie!
I added more detail to his snout. His neck fur feels like it cascades down and around his hidden collar and I love how his eyes have just a hint of light reflecting. I wanted the light source to focus on his wild - Golden Retriever -like fur.
Thank you for stopping by :-)

 Sketched out these images to practice #portraits of well-known icons. I entered my portfolio in another contest, and noticed I had zero samples of people. I chose these famous individuals for their contributions to the world in art and technology.

#ArethaFranklin #HenryFord #music #QueenOfSoul #Automotive #Detroit #pencilsketch

In addition to working on the #PublicArt #mural for the City of #SterlingHeights, I took a brief break to compete in the annual #ArtsBeatsandEats meter beautification contest. Last year I placed 3rd, and this year I placed first with my #giraffe! I was inspired by my love for feeding the giraffes at the #DetroitZoo nearby, and of course the shape of the meter itself. I love competing in this event, I've met several talented artists through this competition. One of them even came out and supported me while I was working on the mural! 

On another note, today is a big day... Ribbon cutting day! I'm nervous, I'm excited, I'm wondering if anyone will show up (other than my immediate family -and what if they are caught in traffic??). 

It doesn't help that today, just before the ribbon cutting, I find out if I made it into the final 5 for the Michigan Great Artist contest. Great timing. I hope that one will take my mind off the other. 

Perhaps I should just paint. Paint a dog. A Pitty :-) yes, that is what I will do!

If you're in Sterling Heights today, stop by and say hello! The ribbon cutting will be at the BP gas station on the corner of Dodge Park and Utica Road at 6 p.m. this evening.

Now I must paint!

Today was our last interview.  This is Bob. He has been filming me during this entire summer, documenting the mural for the City of Sterling Heights. He even included me in the Sterling Heights Police lip snc challenge video! Yep, it's on Youtube and I'm about halfway into the song!  

Today we wrapped things up and in a few days his film will be ready to post.

A ribbon cutting is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 18th at 6:00 p.m. for the mural.

This is Richie, he manages this BP gas station. Bob also interviewed Abe, the owner, but I forgot to snap a pic! I am going to miss this group of gentlemen. 

All done! This afternoon I completed the final touches, and finished tweaking my outdoor mural painted on the back of this BP gas station in Sterling Heights, MI. I have enjoyed working on this piece and meeting residents of this community, as they came by to root me on with words of encouragement and praise. I tried my best to design something meaningful for this community that encompasses only a sample of it's offerings -I hope they like it! 

The bears represent the Marshall Fredrick sculpture in front of the Sterling Heights Public Library, just across the street from this mural. I also love how the Mama Bear and cub represent family. The wavy lines represent the Clinton River that runs throughout this city, and the globe in the center represents the City's cultural diversity. The sunset and river have an art deco flair, to represent the style Marshall Fredrick carved the bears.  And the explosion of color on the bears? Well, that represents me and my love for color. 

Thank you Sterling Heights.

The title of this mural?

Sterling Pride.

 My latest project: wall to wall mural on the back of a BP gas station!

 Prep work is complete! My least favorite part of the job, but most important...

The mural is not complete yet, but I had to share! I'm currently painting the waves in the water, and will tighten up the design. Please follow the progress on Instagram: wendypopko