TITLE: "Tucker"
DATE: © 2003
SIZE: 12 by 16 inches
MEDIUM: colored pencil and graphite on gray Stonehenge paper
PRICE: sold, collection of C.Jeffery, California, USA (commission)

The Tucker portrait was commissioned by a friend of a friend as Christmas gift for the buyer's husband, who apparently is one of those "impossible to shop for" guys. The original plan was a rather traditional hunting portrait (complete with dead duck) of this retired hunting dog. Since he has this silly habit of carrying large rocks around in his mouth, it seemed as though a rock could be a placeholder for the duck on the day of the photo shoot. The more I thought about it though the more I wanted to just use a rock.. after all it's a unique part of his character. It was agreed that this would be a good idea, and I think it turned out really neat. This portrait is actually larger than life, which was a challenge, but I think it turned out just right. Tucker was a bit of a challenge to work with during his photo shoot. He didn't seem to like me pointing my camera at him, and would walk away to the other side of the lawn whenever I would get too close. I love the background. Actually I love the whole thing, but I did the background last and once I had that done Tucker really just stood out, so real!

A letter from C.J.:
"Dear Katherine:  I just wanted to let you know that the portrait of our dog "Tucker" was a huge hit, not only among family members, but guests in our home have been in awe of it.  As a gift for my husband, the man who has it all and is so hard to buy for, this was perfect.  His dog is so important to him, and this way he always be there, not only in our hearts, but also in our living room.  What a wonderful job you did, no one else could have captured the true essence of "Tucker."  This is not just a picture of a Labrador, this is OUR Labrador, rock and all.  It is absolutely timeless.  And now you have to do another one for us, because my stepson, who thinks I have terrible taste in gifts, wants his dog done more than anything.  I told him not in a million years, so he will be truly surprised at Christmas this year. I am really looking forward to giving him a portrait of "Harley," his dog.  Again, thanks aren't even enough for the wonderful job you did, it was almost like you knew our dog's personality, to be able to draw him so perfectly. We are all so grateful. Sincerely, C."