This portrait was a true labor of love. I painted it as a Father’s Day gift for my dad, featuring their two beloved dogs—Bingo, a spirited German Shepherd, and Walter (aka Wally), his loyal little shadow. I didn’t just want to capture how they look—I wanted to capture who they are.
The green background was chosen with care, symbolizing their shared love for grassy sprints and squeaky tennis balls (always green, of course).
I used acrylics for this piece, building it up slowly over many late-night sessions—layering textures, refining tiny details, and spending extra time trying to get their eyes just right. It was one of those paintings that reminded me why I love creating, even when it stretches me.
This wasn’t just a gift—it was a thank-you, a memory, and a tribute to the quiet, steady companionship only dogs can give.
The cutest references
Beginning the painting - June 9, 2025
Drawn out - June 9, 2025
End of June 9 session
Color is down on both dogs... but Bingo is looking funny....June 10, 2025
Covered up Bingo to restart him - June 10, 2025
Mockup of the fix
Bingo is redrawn - June 12, 2025
In progress pic - June 12, 2025
In progress pic - June 12, 2025
In progress pic - June 13, 2025
In progress pic - June 14, 2025
In progress pic - June 15, 2025
Cynthia with the in progress painting. June 15, 2025
Workspace
In progress pic - June 26, 2025
Cynthia with the in progress painting. June 28, 2025
Finished painting - July 3, 2025
Finished painting - July 3, 2025
Cynthia with the completed painting. July 3, 2025 1:24 AM (late nighter)
Same as the photo before... except Cynthia is holding a paint palette.
The finished painting (after the second coat of varnish)