Artistic
Interpretation. The photos supplied by clients are
often small, unclear, and of the wrong color, which is why
I ask for several. Even when I take my own, as in
this case, the pose may be perfect, but the lighting less
than ideal, the exposure wrong, the wrong film, or any
number of problems. Knowing the subject as intimately as I
do, I've adjusted for the photo's shortcomings, as well as
for faded colors in the dog's neck area (where a distinct
black band earned her her name). I can't always do that
with someone else's pet, but multiple photos, taken under a
variety of circumstances and lighting, as well as
interviews with the client and/or observing the pet at home
(if possible) will usually yield a fairly accurate image of
the animal I am working on.
To show the
relationship between painting and photo I'll add a
proportional side-by-side on the final page.
