These dog portraits are quite remarkable, as they capture an affectionate tone without relying on sentimentality or romanticized depictions for visual gratification. The striking pattern imparts intricate cross contouring, making the heads beautiful sculptural objects as well as portrayals of responsive, sentient beings. I’m also s...truck by the apparent smoothness of the surface. At first glance I assumed they were digitally manipulated rather than painted. The blended gradation of color and value activate the negative space without interrupting the movement of linear movement in and around the head. While the series offers nuanced shifts in frontal poses, I prefer the directness of Chaco 2 and Linus. Rather than a casual directness associated with pet photos, they evoke an unwavering and intense communication.