I painted this impromptu study of my boxer Capone, in early December 2011 (above image). That day I was "too busy" to paint, as usual. But as I was passing through the living room, I caught myself staring at this scene. It was such a familiar sight, and particularly beautiful, with the sun burnishing and sculpting the shape of Capone's body, and reflecting blindingly off the floor. When I saw the easel standing nearby, I was no longer "too busy."
I am so grateful I made this spur-of-the-moment decision. Less than one month later, Capone passed away from unexpected medical conditions.
About a week later, I did one more painting of him, still having no idea he was about to fall ill. The painting reveals a slump starting to show in his posture. This was the last painting of him. I feel so lucky to have squeezed in two portraits while I still had time with him.
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| "Capone's Mug" 8x10 |
Below is the only other painting of Capone I have done, a tiny 3x4 canvas painted in 2009, on my back porch. It's so odd that I wasn't moved again to paint him, until the last month of his life, in 2011.
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| "Summer Shade" 3x4 |
Fortunately there were plenty of photos. I will let the images below speak for the friendship and cuteness that I experienced with him. As you can see, Capone often made himself a part of my painting experience.
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Christmas 2011
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| Capone and his "brother" Ember both loved looking out the door. |
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Capone in a scarf knitted by my mom. I wish I would have more chances to paint that mug from life.
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| Critiquing my Radnor Lake walkway painting |
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He's making sure I stay at my easel
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| The critic in action again |
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| Sometimes he would make some improvements |
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| Just a gratuitous picture |
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I hope the paintings and photos gave you a little of the enjoyment I experienced during my too short time with Capone.
