Creating the paintings featured in Promises Kept has been a deeply personal and transformative experience. Each piece tells the story of a rescue dog—a tale of resilience, love, and triumph. In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes of my artistic process in my creative journey, sharing how these works of art come to life and the emotions they carry.
Gathering Inspiration
Inspiration for my paintings often arises from the moments I share with rescue dogs. It might be the joyful wag of a tail during playtime, the way sunlight catches their fur during a walk, or the quiet trust that builds during a rescue.
I would often carry a sketchbook wherever I would go, ready to capture fleeting moments of beauty. Whether it’s on our 28 acres of land, or a corner of my own home, these glimpses became the seeds for my artwork. Often, I would write notes alongside my sketches, detailing the dog’s personality or the emotion of the moment. In this way, the artistic process in my creative journey ensures that the heart of their story shines through in the final painting.
The Creative Process
Once I’ve chosen a subject, the real magic begins. The process starts with a series of photos and sketches. These initial photos and drawings help me explore the dog’s unique features and personality. Is their gaze playful or soulful? Does their posture exude confidence or caution? These nuances are vital for capturing not just their appearance, but their spirit.
Moving to the canvas, which can be on watercolor paper, canvas paper or Corel Painter on the computer, I approach each painting as a journey of discovery. I experiment with color palettes, layering techniques, and brushwork to create depth and emotion. Some days, the paint flows effortlessly; other days, I find myself reworking details to ensure the story feels authentic. This process, which is an intrinsic part of my artistic journey, is both challenging and rewarding, as each painting takes on a life of its own.
The Final Touches
As I near completion, I take a step back to evaluate what the painting conveys. Does it capture the dog’s essence? Does it tell their story?
The final touches often involve subtle adjustments—a glint in the eye, the curve of a paw, or highlights that bring the fur to life. With one portrait I added a long stemmed rose under her paw as she loved roses. These details are not just artistic flourishes; they are the emotions that connect the viewer to the dog’s journey.
Therefore, each painting becomes more than just an image—it transforms into a tribute. It honors the trials the dog has faced and celebrates the second chance they’ve embraced. These final touches represent the culmination of the artistic process in my creative journey.
Sharing My Work
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey is sharing my work with others. Through the pages of Promises Kept, my paintings are paired with the stories of the dogs who inspired them. Together, the art and narrative create a rich tapestry that invites readers to see the beauty and resilience of rescue dogs. In addition, I also enjoy doing commissioned art work as well and often work off of several photos and sketches.
I hope these paintings inspire others to open their hearts to rescue animals, to see them not as broken but as extraordinary beings full of love and potential. Through these stories and images, I aim to shine a light on the joy and connection that come from saving and being saved by a rescue dog.
Each painting featured in Promises Kept is a labor of love, created to celebrate the incredible spirits of rescue dogs. They remind us of the promises we make—to protect, to care, and to never give up on them. And in keeping those promises, we discover the best in ourselves. This journey has highlighted the importance of my artistic journey and process in portraying these emotions.
What inspires your creative journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Safe journeys,
Susie
