TRIBUTE TO AMBER

My youngest son always loved animals.  So when his beloved dog, Amber, died unexpectedly last week, he was devastated. Amber was a very sweet, even tempered dog.  My daughter in law often took her to hospitals and senior centers to cheer up those who were in need of some love and attention.   I decided to paint a tribute to Amber to give to my son and his wife.  I have taken a number of photos of her over the years but the only painting I ever did was of the 3 of them and Amber looked so bad I had to scrub her out and start over.  I am not very familiar with animal physiology as I am the human figure, so it makes things a little more difficult.  Photographing a painting and putting it on the computer to study is very helpful.  Although the tail looks like this in the photo, it doesn't look right to me in the painting.  I poured over photos of  Labs and Lab and Beagle mix dogs trying to find a similar pose with the tail in a different position.  It seems like laying down with her legs crossed in front is a gesture unique to Amber!  I didn't find one photo with that pose.   Right now I am thinking I will crop the image at the top and perhaps move the tail to the left side by the hind leg.  I also need to align the hind leg with the back quarters a little better.  A few more hours and the painting should be done.  Then I think I will do one of just her head.