"The Kiss of Hearts"

So many people loved the in-progress pic I shared recently, I thought you’d enjoy seeing the finished portrait “The Kiss of Hearts”, of Marlaina and her beloved blue Doberman, Sky, which I created for her in 2019.  Sky’s registered name was CH. Kettle Cove Lanikai Blue Sky. The theme of the litter she was from was "Hawaiian Islands". I wanted to capture the feeling of Sky and Marlaina on a tropical Hawaiian beach.

This portrait was done on “Cream” Canson paper, with a watercolor wash for the background and the figures drawn with Prismacolor colored pencils. I chose that paper color because it’s the color of sunlight. Watercolor and colored pencil are “transparent” mediums, the paper color shows through them. So the color of sunlight affected every color I put into this artwork, giving it the feel of a sunny summer day. 

❤️  When she received the portrait, Marlaina wrote:

“It is just SO beautiful! I was so overcome by emotion from the moment I was opening it that I just could not hold back the tears! I truly felt Sky's spirit, and I am certain she had a part in guiding you through such a perfect creation for me to remember our love/bond by. I have never felt anything as strong as this in my life!

There really aren't any words to truly describe how this has touched my heart! We will absolutely be calling on you again to do more work for us in the future!!”

🎨 Prismacolor pencil and watercolor wash on “Cream” Canson Mi-Teintes paper, 18 x 24 inches.

“The Kiss of Hearts” (2019)

Commissioned by Marlaina Battle.