A different Black Labrador Painting

OtterTail

Hi - I'm new here too so thought I would also start by introducing myself with a painting. This is a portrait I did of my own black Lab, OtterTail Eponine. She is a real sweetheart! I currently own 5 Labs and a cat. I have owned and loved many Labs over the years and they have all been the inspiration behind my artwork. I also rescue Labs myself and foster Labs and mix breeds for local rescue groups. Before Labs I always owned mixes - I have a soft spot for all dogs, but Labradors really stole my heart. I got my first Lab in 1986 and have been involved in training, showing, obedience trials and other fun activities with my dogs ever since.

Nice to have found this forum. If you would like to see more of my OtterTail Lab Art, please visit http://OtterTailArt.com
Happy Holidays to all!

Sivaro

Hello and welcome Ottertail. Wow, great pic. Love the labs, especially the blacks.

OtterTail

Thanks Sivaro . I love the blacks too. It is a shame that they are the least likely to be adopted from shelters and the most likely to be euthanized. When it comes to pictures, they are difficult to photograph well and a fun challenge to paint.

Administrator

Wow, I had no idea that they were disfavored among the lab variations that way. Personally, I prefer black labs over chocolate labs, and I'm torn about whether I prefer black labs to yellow or vice versa. Of course, I had two black labs while growing up, so that likely influences my preference to some degree.

OtterTail

Yeah, it is really a shame. Historically blacks were always favored, but after the yellows and chocolates became "acceptable" it evened out and eventually the scale totally tipped to yellows and chocolates among pet owners. There is a constant plea from shelters for people to adopt or rescue groups to take the black dogs - especially the boys. Blacks are still popular with breeders for dog shows and field trials. Personally, I love the shiny black coat and soft brown eyes, but I love a pretty yellow or chocolate Lab as well. I have all 3 colors right now and that's the way I like it :-).

OtterTail

Here is another of my black Lab paintings - same girl. I call this one "Beauty Sleep" - it is part of my "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" series.

hunterpaul

lovely paintings there Ottertail.... you hve really captured the true beauty of these dogs... black dogs are not an easy subject... Paul

OtterTail

Thank you Paul :-). Your work is beautiful. I enjoyed visiting your website where I was particularly smitten by the Kingfisher. My style is more simplified - trying to capture the essence or feeling of a moment in time fits my personality, but I admire your realistic paintings very much.

Malorey

Those are wonderful!

Mirta

Indeed you have captured the true beauty of labs! You also serve as an inspiration and looking at you work I promise myself to do portraits of my dals. I doubt I can be that successful though. Is it oil or acrylic? Do you have other paintings? I can only imagine what they look in real life if they are so good in photos!