Mr Ellverton and the Black Dog
When painting ‘Mr Ellverton and the Black Dog’, I focused on drawing out the subject’s rich personality in multiple ways.
He has two very different sides to his character due to manic depression - he is both a lively conversationalist at any drinks party, yet also struggles with depression and has even authored a book on the subject, entitled ‘Taming the Black Dog’.
I was fascinated by this, especially when I realised that his face reflected his mixed character, with one eye and side of his face mischievous and playful, yet the other more intense and brooding.
In order to ensure this dichotomy received the viewer’s full attention, I concentrated most detail and contrast on features which accentuated it, predominantly his eyes and mouth.
I also used bright, warm colours such as ochres and pinks to draw out his lively side, whereas I used more purples, blues and greys for his melancholic side.