Gentle Hearts

A Southern Cheyenne girl leans in close to her dog, the two of them meeting nose to nose in a moment of unguarded trust. The dog was her younger brother's, who passed away at a young age, as was common in those days. I wanted this painting to feel intimate and true—less about “scene” and more about relationship. The warm reds and earth tones hold the mood steady, while the dog’s light coat and dark markings create a simple, readable statement within the softer background.