Luna & Doug
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This commission was all about capturing movement through stillness. I worked closely with Jo, Luna and Doug’s owner, to help her capture the perfect source images. No easy feat given the lively nature of both dogs.
Doug, who was approaching his first birthday at this time, was still in his infancy and yet to realise that his back legs and tail belonged to him. Luna, who was recued from death row kennels in 2017 was a little older but highly alert and active, so much so she often partners Jo in canicrossing [a dog/human jogging duo]. Very much a dog that ‘runs in her sleep’ as Jo explained to me! It was therefore a triumph to snap a picture of her standing still!
Once the source images were agreed it was my turn to plunge into a deep and contemplative study of these wonderful characters, capturing, through quiet observation, their life force and energy.
“I cannot recommend Susie enough. The process from start to finish has been faultless, from her never-ending patience and guidance on how to get the best photograph, to her enthusiasm and genuine interest in learning about the dog behind the picture and her communication regarding the end result. Both paintings are exceptional, I’m amazed at how well Doug and Luna’s personalities leap out at me despite Susie never having met them, the paintings don’t feel static but are full of life and movement. Friends and family are impressed at the likeness and my toddler instantly knew who the paintings were of. ”
