Bear. Oil on Canvas. 14" x 18".
Faculty Mentor
Sally Jablonsky
Presentation Type
Creative Work
Start Date
4-13-2026 4:30 PM
End Date
4-13-2026 6:30 PM
Location
Art Building
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Art
Abstract
This painting serves as a homage to my beloved family dog, Bear, whose humor and kind-hearted nature have left as great an impression on my artwork as they have on my heart. I demonstrated how the slow drying time and layering capability of oil paints could be used to refine even the most minute details of pet portraiture, from the shimmer in his aging eyes to the texture of his ruffled, wavy fur. When I worked on this piece, I couldn't help but smile and revel in the joyful memories we shared throughout my childhood as they guided my hand across the canvas. With every loose, gestural brushstroke and smooth application of blended pigment, the visual stylization of my painting evolved from an illustrative impression to a more truthful representation of his charming personality. By displaying this work, I hope that he will continue to bring smiles and laughter to all passersby, just as he has for me.
Recommended Citation
Gonzalez, Olivia, "Bear. Oil on Canvas. 14" x 18"." (2026). 2026 Symposium. 7.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/cw_2026/art_2026/7
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Bear. Oil on Canvas. 14" x 18".
Art Building
This painting serves as a homage to my beloved family dog, Bear, whose humor and kind-hearted nature have left as great an impression on my artwork as they have on my heart. I demonstrated how the slow drying time and layering capability of oil paints could be used to refine even the most minute details of pet portraiture, from the shimmer in his aging eyes to the texture of his ruffled, wavy fur. When I worked on this piece, I couldn't help but smile and revel in the joyful memories we shared throughout my childhood as they guided my hand across the canvas. With every loose, gestural brushstroke and smooth application of blended pigment, the visual stylization of my painting evolved from an illustrative impression to a more truthful representation of his charming personality. By displaying this work, I hope that he will continue to bring smiles and laughter to all passersby, just as he has for me.
