I have one of my dear friends to thank for this image. We worked together a long time ago in a creative environment and when she sent me this photograph, I knew I would paint it eventually. I like the fact that it came from her because I see her eye for creativity in it and it reminds me how much fun we used to have when we worked together. She was one of the first people to ever believe in me as a bona-fide artist, not just a hobbyist. We had a discussion about filling out paperwork and I always cringed at the occupation part (I was home with kids) and she said, "You're an artist, of course!"An artist is always looking for images that tell a story or engage the viewer to finish the story. That is something I am still working on developing. It's fun to do a painting that asks questions of you. Are they on a quick stroll? Is she walking the dog for her own sake - a need to get out - or for the dog's? Are they in a park or near a busy street? Maybe she's a dog walker and it isn't even her dog! I doubt it - in my mind, these two are buds.
I've always enjoyed cropping photos a little differently and placing them on a dark background. I hope I didn't do this one a disservice by doing so. I think it will look nice in a black frame and will almost give it a matted effect. Here's an adorable close-up of their feet.In Step, On a Stroll 12"x12" oil on canvas, will be available on my website at www.artbymj.com
