Air Dog - the painting

Once in a while someone will contact me with an idea just too cool to pass over.  This painting was born from one such suggestion.  Then, promptly claimed by my 5 year old & named by him too.  So, it now hangs proudly above his bed & prints and reproductions are available on my website for everyone else to enjoy!

Thanks, Cindy, for the awesome idea!

Here is a glimpse at my progress from sketch to finished painting:

I don't usually sketch my paintings, I just jump in with brushes & paint flying wildly about.  This time, with such an intricate subject, I erred on the side of caution.  There's nothing more frustrating than to get the PERFECT face on a subject only to find out the top of his/her head is cut off... Imagine how upset I'd be over the loss of the tail or propeller on a plane!

I spent quite a bit of time trying out color combos, but once I settled on the Swiss Cross for the markings I figured I'd stick with white and red. 

Had to see how the Saint was going to fit into this...  

Add a few more details & silliness, clean it up a bit and here we are!  Finished!

I do love making these whimsical paintings :)