I wanted to do this portrait last year, but I was so nervous. I didn't think I could do it. I didn't want to ruin a good canvas, so I used a canvas board. I thought that if I don't do well it won't matter. Freeing myself up like that enabled me to attack the canvas without a care and what I received in return was freedom to try painting whatever I want. Say, "shoo!" to the inner critic, paint on newspaper or anything that will let you be free to be yourself, try anything and everything. I want to give a special thanks to Carol at Art Muse Dogs for the reminder to let your inner child come out and play.