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Painting the Dogs of Promises Kept: A Look at My Creative Process

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The image shows the front and back covers of the book Promises Kept by Dr. Susie Myers. The front cover features a collage of dog portraits, each with distinct colors and expressions, creating a heartwarming and personal visual. The title, Promises Kept, is written in a script-like font above the dog images. On the back cover, there is a summary of the book surrounded by artistic brushstroke designs. Small photos of dogs appear near the text, along with a circular image of the author, Dr. Susie Myers, toward the bottom left, wearing a bright-colored shirt.

As I embark on the journey of sharing my book, Promises Kept, with you, I find it essential to delve into the heart of my creative process. Painting the dogs that inspired these stories has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my artistic career. In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes and show you how the Creative Process of Painting the dogs of Promises Kept reflects the unique spirit and personality of the dogs we rescued.

Finding Inspiration in Every Pup

Every dog we rescued has a story that deserves to be told. When I choose a dog to paint, I consider their journey—the challenges they’ve faced and the joy they bring into the world. For me, it’s essential to capture not just their likeness but the essence of who they are. This is central to the creative process of painting.

The Creative Process of Painting the dogs of Promises Kept. The image depicts a portrait of a beagle/terrier, Sugar, with a gentle, expressive gaze. The dog has a tan and white coat with patches of black, floppy ears, and dark brown eyes that look directly at the viewer. The background is soft, with pastel shades of purple and blue, creating a calming atmosphere. The artist's signature,

For example, let’s take Sugar, a scrappy little beagle/terrier mix and her puppy, Spice, who were rescued on a major highway by a compassionate couple on vacation from Minnesota. Sugar was shy and nervous, yet fierce when it came to her puppy when she first came to me. But her gentle spirit shone through. I knew that to do her justice in paint, I needed to portray both her delicate features and the courage she showed as she began to trust again.

The Creative Painting Process: From Sketch to Canvas

My creative process typically begins with a series of sketches. The creative process from sketch to canvas is something I cherish deeply. I spend time observing the dog, capturing their posture, expressions, and quirks. This phase is vital, as it allows me to connect with the dog on a deeper level. I often take photographs to ensure I have the right angles and lighting to work from later. Often, when doing a commissioned pet portrait, I only have a few photographs. I then also rely on the stories told about the pet.

Once I have a solid sketch, I transfer it to canvas, watercolor paper or a painting program on my computer. The creative process of painting the dogs begins with selecting the medium. It depends on the medium I will use. I love using vibrant colors to bring each dog to life. The use of color plays a significant role in my work; it can evoke emotions and tell stories. For Sugar, I chose light blue tones to convey her gentle nature, interspersed with splashes of brighter colors to represent her playful side.

The Emotional Connection of Painting Portraits

One of the most rewarding aspects of this process is the emotional connection I develop with each dog while painting them. As I work on their portrait, I often find myself reflecting on their stories and the resilience they’ve shown. As part of the creative process, I celebrate the emotional connection. It’s a meditative process that allows me to celebrate their journey and honor their spirit.

Each stroke of the brush feels like a conversation, a way to communicate the love and care I have for these animals. When I finally step back and see the finished painting, it’s like seeing a part of their soul captured on canvas.

Sharing The Dogs’ Stories

In Promises Kept, each painting is accompanied by the story of the dog it represents. I want readers to understand not just the art but the narrative behind it. My hope is that by sharing these stories, I can inspire others to appreciate the beauty and resilience found in rescue animals.

As you read the book, I encourage you to take a moment to look at each painting closely. Notice the details—the way the light reflects in their eyes or how their fur is textured. Each element is intentional and tells a story of its own. This intentional detail is part of the creative process of painting the dogs of Promises Kept.

Join Me in Celebrating Our Four-Legged Friends

I’m excited to continue sharing more about my creative process, the dogs that inspired Promises Kept, and the stories behind my paintings. Stay tuned for more posts, where I’ll delve deeper into specific dogs, their journeys, and how they became a part of my artistic family.

If you’d like to see more of my artwork or read about the stories that inspired them, be sure to check out Promises Kept, available at Amazon. You can also buy my paintings on my art website, Sam’s Art Shop.

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of rescue dogs and the incredible stories they have to share. The creative process of painting the dogs of Promises Kept blog is one filled with love and passion.

Warmly,
Susie
Author of Promises Kept

About The Author

Dr. Susie

I reside in Northeast Ohio after traveling from coast to coast and living in both rural and metropolitan areas from Los Angeles to New York and of course the Midwest. I am an author and third generation artist and have been painting since the early 1960s. I have always cared deeply about animals, both domestic and wild, and the preservation of endangered species, has always been a concern as well. Most recently, I was involved in animal rescue work, finding homes for over 11,000 dogs and cats over the previous 12 years. It's only natural then, that I am drawn to animals and nature for my art subjects. I have also explored the metaphysical including creative imagination, Reiki, crystal healing, tai chi, feng shui and yoga and feel they add depth to my art as well. By creating an emotional connection for the viewer I hope my artwork will create concern and compassion for our natural world and its wild inhabitants, and help stimulate conservation efforts. My love of historic buildings and their conservation led me to doing the house portraits and my architectural works

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