Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color

Self Portrait with a Dog of a Different Color
Oil on Canvas
22"x28

I am getting behind in posting my new works. This piece has been done for a little while. It is oil which is a fairly new medium for me. I had a lot of fun with this one and enjoyed the color possibilities. I also utilized symbolism in this piece. I wanted to say more than I usually do with this piece. The dog is our family mutt Rascal and represents traditional symbolism: companionship, health, service, loyalty, protection, future prosperity. I placed the drum to depict the continuous rhythm of life and the plant mimics the sinuous nature of femininity and reminds me of the continuing renewal of self and the intertwining of humanity. As for the pose of the figure, contrast it with the self portrait I use as my profile image, what do you think? Please give me a comment about what you think.

I was inspired by the early century masters shown at the Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City. Chuck and I went to KC for a romantic weekend during Valentine's week. We toured the Museum and there is nothing more inspiring than getting to view the masters in real life.

"The art of Expressionist, Fauve, Cubist, Bauhaus, Dada and Surrealist artists working between 1900 and 1945 is presented in the Nelson-Atkins building. During these tumultuous years of the early 20th century, the forms and meanings of art were in constant flux. Highlights from this defining period of Modernism include outstanding works by Emil Nolde, Kees van Dongen, Juan Gris, Constantin Brancusi, Wassily Kandinsky, Giorgio de Chirico, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Kay Sage and Alexander Calder."

It's a great museum and I would highly recomend a visit.