"Mo," a recent pet portrait

©Becky Brocato
"Mo"
11" x 14"
Watercolor on 300 lb Arches CP


This pet portrait commission that I recently completed is of an amazing Chocolate Lab named Mo. He was such a special pet for his family for many years, so after he passed, his owners wanted a really special remembrance of him. The lady of the house was especially close to Mo because he was her constant and faithful companion when the kids were at school and her husband was at work, which included a lot of business travel. I was so happy when she received the portrait last night and she teared up. She said I had captured his image, his personality and the light in his eyes. Mission accomplished.

I used several photos as reference material for this painting. The out-of-doors background was not in the original photo, as it was taken inside their home. Also, the lighting was from a flash, which flattened out his features and changed the color of his eyes. So I really had a challenge making the shadows, highlights and his eye color look more natural. I really enjoyed painting this portrait, and I am very happy with the results!

Original Watercolor by Becky Brocato "Sticking Close"

©Becky Brocato
"Sticking Close" 18" x 18"
Watercolor on 140 lb Arches CP

We had a great time at the Opening Reception of the Texas Watercolor Society 62nd Annual Exhibit in San Antonio, Texas, this past Saturday evening. It was held at the San Antonio Art League and Museum, which is located at 130 King William Street in the beautiful King William Historic District. I am so pleased and honored that my watercolor painting, "Sticking Close," is included in this Exhibit. A big "thank you" to all who came to the Opening Reception. I truly appreciate your interest in and support of my work! This Exhibit has around 50 beautiful water media paintings by artists from all across the United States, and it will be on display throughout the month of June, so I hope you will make time to go by and see it if you are traveling to San Antonio this month.

On Sunday, before heading back to Houston, we browsed the shops in La Villita Historic Arts Village in Downtown San Antonio. I totally enjoyed meeting and visiting with Ugur Kilic (photographer, graphic designer and web site designer) and Susan Carlin (artist and owner) of Nueva Street Gallery. This is one of my favorite galleries in downtown San Antonio, and they always have a wonderful variety of high quality art pieces from 19 amazing artists. The next time you are in San Antonio, you should definitely stop in.