Wild Things Artwork
by Patsy Lindamood

24" H x 16.75" W Colored Pencil and Water Soluble Wax Pastel on Ampersand Pastelbord.

When I am commissioned to do a portrait, whether of a pet or a person, I prefer to do a photoshoot with my subject to develop reference material rather than to use any candid photos my clients may already have. I feel that the experience with the subject is a key ingredient for the creation of a successful portrait.

"Pond Inspection" is unusual in that it is based on one of the photos I took when preparing to do a portrait of Missy (see "Listening for Master's Cue") that wasn't really appropriate for a "portrait" piece but that nevertheless contained lots of interesting elements. I loved Missy's tense stance on the edge of the pond and the intensity with which she was watching a frog moving through the pond. I also found the reflections in the pond quite interesting - and a challenge to depict in an interesting and effective way.