Greyhounds being my favorite animal, I loved painting this one.
New Acrylic Painting
by Jean Ryan
Published by
Jean Ryan
Jean Ryan, a native Vermonter, lives in Lillian, Alabama. Her stories and essays have appeared in a variety of journals and anthologies. She has also published a novel, LOST SISTER. Her short story collections, SURVIVAL SKILLS and LOVERS AND LONERS, are available online. STRANGE COMPANY, a collection of short nature essays, is available in paperback as well as digital and audio editions. View all posts by Jean Ryan
Good morning, Jean! You deftly capture the strength and grace of this beautiful Greyhound; what is her/his name? As I keep looking at this painting I’m thinking about the exquisite lighting and it dawned on me: John Singer Sargent! Look at some of his portraits (the portrait of Louise Burchard’s dog, Pointy, comes to mind as does his famous Madame X painting). I am in awe of your (many) talents and hope that you’ll approach a Gallery and do a show of your paintings and tie it into an evening that includes a reading. You say the word and I’m on a plane en route! XOXO
The photo (photographer unknown) that inspired this painting was originally considered as a cover illustration for my book Survival Skills. I have always admired it, particularly the lighting. Thank you for comparing this piece to Sargent’s work–wow!