My Shadow 

Lucia Heffernan created this painting, "My Shadow," using traditional oil paints on canvas. The artist's hand is evident in every brushstroke, layering textures and tones to bring the dog to life. Oil paint is a slow-drying medium, allowing for blending and reworking, which Heffernan exploits to capture the dog's fur and expressive eyes. The careful depiction is a hallmark of academic painting, a tradition that has always relied on skillful observation. Yet, this painting also shares ground with illustration, in its attention to narrative and popular appeal. It's no accident that we're drawn to images of animals; this tendency is deeply embedded in culture. One could argue that it's inseparable from the dynamics of labor. The artist, who likely works alone in her studio, puts in many hours to create this image of companionship, intended for a consumer market.