Cooper portrait in progress 2 - The essence in the eyes

I always ask my portrait clients to tell me about their loved one. The day I work on the eyes in a portrait, I start out by reading what they wrote. Before I started working on Cooper today, I read what Brandon and Rina wrote about him. I hold that in my attention - in my mind and heart - as I’m working and try to get the essence of him in his face, especially the eyes.

Below is what they shared about Cooper…

From Brandon:

“Cooper loved being outdoors and was happiest out in nature getting dirty and playing hard. He loved hikes, lakes and eventually came around to the ocean. He'd be able to go for hours and hours when he was in his element and good health. No amount of time in the water or on trail was ever enough.

He enjoyed stalking and hunting everything that wasn't another dog. He pointed from a young age with no training and kept it up right to the end. Birds, lizards, cats, squirrels, you name it he'd stalk it. At any cost without any nevermind to commands or being in the middle of a crosswalk on a busy road.

At home he was the ultimate velcro dog. He was always happiest laying on top of me, on my chest when he could or in my lap or on my feet. He spent most of his life occupying the bed at night and managed to take up 70% of it in spite of his size. He loved naps, cuddling and being with humans. He never met a stranger his entire life.”

From Rina:

“I loved how sophisticated he presented himself, especially when focused on the environment (and doing other pointer things), and equally just a big goofball. Cooper is dearly missed.”

Portrait of Cooper

Commissioned by Rina Carrillo as a birthday gift for her partner Brandon Hedrick. 

🐕 Cooper is a Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting breed.

🎨 Prismacolor pencil on “Flannel Grey” Canson Mi-Teintes paper, 11 x 14 inches.