New Painting! "Maverick"

Every year, for the past four years around this time, I dedicate myself to one "trade" painting commission. I generally make a post in a special interest group called PALZ on Facebook, which is a designated barter system, that in return for shares on social media, and whatever art materials they might be able to afford, I will make whatever someone wants.

The other stipulation is that people have to share the story of some good deed they'd done this year, and I would pick the one I most resonated with. This year, I only had one person post a good deed in the thread, but she opted out of the prize. Then I get a message on my art page from someone who runs a dog rescue program, asking if I could do something to help her for a fundraiser auction.

Meet Maverick. He's a rescue who has needed multiple surgeries to correct deformities from birth. He may look different, but he is the favored companion of a child with autism, and he is the poster pup of this rescue program's mission - to protect the literal underdog.

They operate out of Ajax, Ontario, and have saved thousands of animals, including animals with special needs like Maverick. This includes expensive surgeries and vet bills.

I don't know when this is going to be auctioned, but the proceeds of course go to improving the lives of many animals, and the people who love them.

I do this every year for a few reasons. For the expanded advertisement reach is one. To contribute to keeping art accessible to people who don't have expendable income is another. To stave off some SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder, a form of depression) which creeps up around the end of the year. The warm feeling that comes from making other people happy is really helpful for me. I'm sure I can think of a few other reasons if I sit here, but those are the main ones. Even if I get no commissions out of it, I'm getting a healthy dose of morale.

I've come a long way skill-wise, too. Here are the previous years' pieces from this project.
2016
Family Portrait.jpg