Commissioned Portraits. Almost all of the drawings I do are commissioned. One artist I know who once stated, "I will never do another commissioned portrait as long as I live" explained that you have to have the "mettle" for it.

For me there is nothing greater then the joy and tears I've seen on the faces of clients who have honored a loved one be it human or animal when being presented with their portrait. Sometimes I only get to hear about the reaction but there is a satisfaction in my heart like nothing else.

Most of the portraits I do like this one of a lovely Basset Hound named Corky, are after the person or animal is no longer with us. Long ago I learned of a phenomenon that happens when I'm doing this type of work:

When the person or pet we love is with us they are the reality and the portrait represents them. "This is my dog, and here is a picture of him." When that animal or person dies we transfer the reality and most of our emotions to the portrait because it's all that's left. We point to the portrait and say, "This was my dog."

Realizing this gives me an overwhelming sense of responsibility to make that portrait so detailed that it is not just a portrait of a basset hound. It is a portrait of Corky. It is important to capture not only his likeness but his essence or spirit as well.

So this Christmas I will enjoy knowing that a family that I don't even know will experience a little closure when they open this gift for in a small way they will get a little of Corky back. They will have a final "place" to attach their love and their memories. They will also fulfill a silent promise everyone makes to never forget him. And for me knowing that I get a gift too. Commissioned portraits are definitely my "mettle".

Special thanks to Renaldo Lucherini and Trinton Garrett from AW for their help with this one.

9 ½ x 11 ½ graphite on Bristol Vellum. Mechanical pencils HB, 2B, 4B.