Brutus

Originally completed about a month ago. I worked on and off on this piece for about a week. I'm extremely proud of the way it came out, given I didn't use a reference (except an old blurry photo to get my dog's markings correct) and I never do realistic works. the only thing I'm mad about is how the scanner ate some of the shading :(

This is a portrait of my late rottweiler, Brutus (1990-1999). He was a savior to me in many ways, and I probably would not have made it this far without him (it may sound corny and stuff, but you have no idea what a literal life saver this animal was). He wasn't just a one in a million dog, he was just one. There will never be another animal like him for the rest of time. If I didn't know any better, I would've thought him an angel in disguise.

I plan on getting this image tattood on my right shoulderblade, along with the words "All angels come to us disguised" written in script underneath. He's my ever vigilant guardian angel, after all, and I know he's always there, watching my back for me.

Also, please, I don't want any critique on this picture. This is my memorium to my dearest friend (well, besides embodying him into half my fursona, that is), and I don't want people picking it apart. I know I'm not the best at realism portraits, but then again I never do them. It's not the perfect picture, but it's what I want it to be, and I'm happy with it.

I hope you guys like this image as much as I do, it really means a lot to me and I worked really hard on it :)

artwork © Lauren Altman 2008