The Knight Stood at the Castle Gate in Steel and Quiet Pride
Wiry gray whiskers, bushy brows, and floppy ears give this Schnauzer knight a stern but kind expression. His polished steel armor shines with soft gray highlights and delicate golden etching, and a navy velvet cloak with a golden leaf border is draped across his shoulders. Behind him, a Renaissance landscape of hills, a river, and a distant hilltop castle glows in the pale light. It looks as if he has just come back from guarding the castle gates and is catching his breath.
The painter had to paint metal and fur together here, two very different textures. The armor reflects the sky and the cloak, while the beard is painted with fine, bristly strokes. The contrast helps you feel the difference between hard and soft.
Miniature Schnauzers are small, sturdy dogs with a wiry coat and a lot of spunk. They are alert, smart, and loyal, and many enjoy having a job, whether it is a game of fetch or a training session. They can bark at visitors, so early training helps. The coat needs regular brushing and professional trimming, and the beard may need cleaning after meals. Talk to your vet about weight and diet, since the breed can gain weight easily.
The castle is safe, and so are the treat jars, as long as the knight is on duty.
