Smoking Bandit

Alison Friend | Oil on Gesso Panel | 12 x 9 inches

“I start off with an idea for a character. I have lots in my head. It’s like a waiting room until it’s their time to come out! As strong as an idea for a character is, they do take on a life of their own. That’s what I love. I get to know them as the painting progresses.                                                                            

 I keep the beginnings of a painting very loose and – a few brush marks can create a particularly funny expression and suddenly there they are!  I really focus on those glances our pets give us. We think of them as having human emotions and I try to capture that. It’s how we connect with the animals in our lives. Hopefully I bring just enough to the work for the viewer to create their own story for the subject. I want the viewer to be part of the creative process.”  Alison Friend

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