Mucky Runt as Ruth Bader Ginsburg

We rescued Mucky Runt from NW Oklahoma where she lived with her litter mates outdoors near oil fields, wind generators and farmland. She was the runt of an unexpected pairing between an Australian Shepard and a Great Dane. Her owners couldn’t take care of her and her siblings, so they agreed to let us give her a home. On the ride home she fit on the top of Amber’s shoe, and slept the whole way home to Oklahoma City. These days she spends most of her time giving out body hugs, kisses, and playing soccer in the backyard.

Here Mucky Runt is depicted as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died when she was still a pup. This painting was a test to teach myself how to use gouache paints, particularly for pet paintings. Before this painting I had used only acrylics to paint pets. I’m now quite fond of gouache for the smooth layering, bright and matte finishes.