Blaze

My Constant Companion and Defender

Blaze is a 12.5 by 16.5-inch gouache painting that marks a distinct shift in my practice from landscape subjects to intimate animal portraiture. This work centers on Blaze, my four-year-old Chow Chow and steadfast companion, whose presence resonates with loyalty and warmth. The painting captures her thick, fluffy fur in rich shades of orange, yellow, and brown, carefully layered to convey both depth and softness through dynamic brushwork.

The composition draws attention to Blaze’s expressive face, where dark eyes and a black nose create a focused contrast against her luminous coat. The textured fur is rendered with deliberate, tactile strokes that evoke the rough yet inviting quality of her distinctive coat. Surrounding her figure, the background features swirling patterns in soft blues and pale yellows—a quiet, atmospheric space punctuated by a bright sun positioned in the upper left corner. This element bathes the scene in gentle light, reinforcing the warmth and affection the portrait expresses.

The inclusion of a collar with a simple, dark round tag grounds the image in realism while maintaining the vibrancy of the overall style. Visually, the piece merges Post-Impressionist and Expressionist influences, using color intensity and visible brushstrokes that emphasize emotional connection and energetic presence. This approach suits Blaze as a subject: a protector and companion who embodies steadfastness and spirited loyalty.

Creating Blaze was a departure for me, moving away from the expansive terrains and atmospheric landscapes to explore the personality and essence of an individual being. Working in gouache allowed me to achieve precise layering and control of value, important for capturing the subtle shifts in tone across Blaze’s unique coat and the textured background. The piece also hints at broader possibilities, with intentions toward wearable art that can translate this intimate portrait into patterns and designs.

Blaze invites the viewer to witness not only an image of a dog but an expression of the bond between artist and muse, characterized by warmth, energy, and quiet affection. It is a testament to the depth found in humble subjects and the power of color and texture to communicate presence.

Today's entry into my Art Sketchbook Journal where my most personal art expression and experimentation resides.

Gratefully yours

Ruth Elizabeth Nuckols Cox Williamson