Roxey's Story & Pico Finished

ROXEY
Belgian Malinois
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel
(click to see larger)

First let me introduce you to Roxey.
Her partner, Officer Douglas R. Beckman of the University of Illinois Police Dept. tells about her:

Roxey was our departments first Police Dog. She was a Belgian Malinois from Holland. I was blessed in her picking me out at the kennel by placing her paw upon my shoulder as we walked through the kennels looking at 100's of dogs before we made our selection. Then for over 9 years we worked together as friends and partners. Roxey had over 1600 calls for service and recovered over 400 lbs of illegal drugs. She was responsible for seizing thousands of dollars of drug money and vehicles. Roxey was also responsible for recovering 17 handguns and assisting in the arrest of 100's of felony and misdemeanor suspects. Roxey retired on Aug 4, 2008.

On Sept 27th 2008 I lost my partner and friend. Roxey had been injured 3 years prior looking for a home invasion suspect and had been on some very strong medication so she would be comfortable after her back injury. Roxey never slowed down. The day of the 27th I was able to have my daughter tell Roxey to catch the bad guys one last time and my wife to be with me as she passed. It was truly the hardest thing I have every done. Roxey is always with me and has made me a better person as well as an Officer. When I got my new partner I new I had to get someone with a different look and personality so I wouldn't be able to compare just by looking at them. Now more than ever, I'm gratefull I was able to do that with my new Partner Quinty. Thank you very much for everything you do it does mean alot to the Officers and family we spend so much of our lives with them it is hard to put in words. Roxey was truly my family's Hero.

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Thank you Officer Beckman and your new partner Quinty.

Portrait Notes: After I finished the initial sketch, it was obvious to me that I had her a bit fatter than she was, so I modified that as I painted. Although I often change the backgrounds of portraits, I really liked the bold graphic of the Police car behind Roxey, and thought it made a great background, so I left it that way. This is one of the portraits that doesn't photograph very well. I might be able to get a better photo in the daylight.

Pico
German Shepherd
4" x 6"
Oil on Panel
(click to see larger)

Here is the final version of Pico's portrait. I tweaked his ears a bit, added more color to his coat and filled in the background. I'm very happy with both these portraits, and very grateful to the Officers that work so hard for us.

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” Epicurus (Greek philosopher, BC 341-270)

Live Creatively!! (and gratefully)

Liz