Hazelnut

A portrait of Hazelnut, a favorite subject of mine (I'm partial, of course). Her amber eyes are outlined in kohl, really beautiful markings contrasting with the golden tones of her fur. She's just a great girl to paint. Hazel looks to be in sweet repose in this painting, but we're not fooled -- see the ear lifted in silent alert? Lurking under the calm demeanor is the extra-vigilant guard dog warning away the elderly woman who walks her tiny, ribboned purse dog past our house every day. This portrait was donated to the new Stratford Animal Respite Facility. As a rescued dog, her portrait will serve to how lost or abandoned animals have hope of finding a fovever home.