Max
Deborah Trent, 2026 · Watercolor on paper
A spirited, character-filled portrait of a brown spaniel mix captured mid-gaze. Rich earth tones — deep sepia, burnt umber, and hints of rust — pool and blend across the face and chest, with loose, feathered brushstrokes defining the shaggy ears and scruffy fur at the crown. The wet, speckled chest reads as pure watercolor play, suggesting texture without overworking the form. Warm golden eyes and a boldly drawn nose give the face its expressive focus, while a bright orange collar with a silver tag adds a cheerful graphic counterpoint.
This piece was painted for a neighbor who hunts pheasants with Max, a seasoned ten-year-old field companion — a tribute to a working dog and the quiet partnership between a hunter and his bird dog.
Inspiration
Our dogs are members of the family and provide us with love and companionship.
Artistic Process
I used a photo I took of Max on my cell phone as the reference for this painting. I built up plenty of layering to capture the fur on his ears and the spotted patterning in his coat.
- Paints: Cadmium Orange, Van Dyke Brown, Burnt Sienna, Lunar Black, Cadmium Yellow, Sepia, White, Daniel’s Warm Grey.
- Brushes: sizes 2 and 6; Round, Mop, and 1/2” Filbert Grainer.
Reflections
My biggest challenge was capturing the loose fur on his ears in a natural way. This was also the first time I painted a dog with a multi-colored coat. The owner was especially drawn to his eyes and expression.
Date of Creation
March 07, 2026