The dog days of summer

 Zoey (my dog) against the beautiful tall grasses in the park

If today is anything to go by we are past the period known
as the "dog days of summer."  This was the period running from
about the second week in July until as late as the 25th of August in Roman
times.  It was so named because that was when the Dog Star, Sirius was
seemed to rise just before the sunrise, and it was thought that the
double brilliance brought on extreme heat and muggy weather.  But it's cooling
down here now.

I asked Zoey to take my picture with the 

grasses so you could see how tall they are,

but this is the best she could do -- not bad for

a dog.  Okay I admit she had some help.

My dog days have been incredibly pleasant, both because my dog,
Zoey and I have taken some awesome walks in the nearby park, and
because I've been painting a delightful commission of my friend
Alen's dog, Barney.

Starting the painting.  Working on an orange ground I 

roughed in the snow around Barney and then began painting.
I am crazy about dogs, so this was a pleasure from start to finish.

Barney (Work in progress)
Acrylic on canvas

24 x 36 inches

Barbara Muir © 2011

Slowly adding to the piece, I work by feeling, and thinking 

about what will make the layers of fur look right.

Those eyes are a bit spooky, but that will change tomorrow.

(I took the photos on the easel, so the lighting

is not optimal.)

Barney (Work in progress)

24 x 36 inches
Acrylic on canvas

Barbara Muir © 2011

Tomorrow I'll give you more of my progress,
and I'll show you the grand finale in a couple
of days. 

Have an enjoying your canine friends day.