Keith Thomson

Dog Lake, Oil Painting

2025

Artist Comments
A ballerina leaps into the air with a dog behind her, seemingly following her steps. In this painting, artist Keith Thomson drew inspiration from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, composer of "Swan Lake," and his dog Zhuchok. The musician cherished the animal's wordless loyalty and the emotional ballast he so often struggled to find in people. Had Zhuchok entered Tchaikovsky's life sooner, it's conceivable that "Swan Lake," a ballet that is so attuned to devotion without speech, might have celebrated a different animal altogether. Keith used oil paint and ink to create this piece.

About the Artist
Alabama-based artist Keith Thomson creates quick-witted, mixed-media artwork that blends realism and surrealism. His background as a political cartoonist in the 90s is reflected in the sharp storytelling his artwork achieves. He combines stylized realism and everyday subject matter with surreal details and ironic twists. He begins his work as digital sketches using animation software, then he transfers the sketch onto the canvas and begins applying oil paint. In addition to painting, he is a writer, of mostly spy novels and nonfiction articles. His writing prowess shines through in his witty descriptions of his pieces.

Words that describe this painting: ballet, dog, pet, dance, dancer, figure, animals, people, realism, oil painting, blue

Dog Lake
Keith Thomson
Oil painting on stretched canvas
Finished white edges
Varnished and Ready to hang
One-of-a-kind
Signed on front
2025
16 in. h x 24 in. w x 1.5 in. d
3 lbs. 0 oz.