Spirit

Spirit, detail | 8" x 8" oil on linen | Flanegan | commission

Unfortunately, the photo of the entire painting had a glare, but here's a detail.

For this commission, I only had a photo reference. When I'm not able to meet the subject, hearing the family's stories makes all the difference. What a joy.

Spirit was a stray who was initially looked after by a kind-hearted rancher. When Spirit became pregnant she chose to leave the ranch, crossing a four-lane highway to nest. The safe haven she chose was under the porch of our church's original gathering place. My friends adopted mama Spirit and one of her pups.

What an amazing dog, I would have loved to have met her. And what wonderful friends - thank you Barbara and Jim!