Title: Maillot Jaune

This 60-inch by 60-inch oil on canvas painting presents a whimsical yet masterful portrait of a West Highland White Terrier, imbued with the spirit of the Tour de France. The artist employs a high degree of photorealism, particularly in the detailed rendering of the Westie's fur. Each strand is meticulously painted, capturing the texture, light, and shadow that give the dog a palpable, three-dimensional presence. The Westie’s large, dark eyes are the focal point, expressing a captivating mix of innocence and focus, a direct gaze that engages the viewer with profound personality.

The dog is depicted wearing the iconic Maillot Jaune, the yellow jersey of the Tour de France leader. The jersey itself is rendered with a soft, painterly quality, contrasting subtly with the crisp detail of the dog's face. The logos and text on the jersey, though slightly stylized, are clearly legible, grounding the surreal subject in a familiar context.

The background, executed with a more impressionistic brushwork, places the Westie on the roadside of a race. A blurry cyclist in a red jersey, identifiable as a competitor, zips past in the left background, while a crowd of spectators is suggested on the right. This soft-focus background not only highlights the sharp detail of the dog but also creates a sense of motion and atmosphere, capturing the energy of the race without distracting from the central figure.

The composition is both humorous and endearing, transforming the small, spirited dog into a champion of the cycling world. The painting masterfully blends a realistic subject with an imaginative narrative, resulting in a unique and memorable work of art. The scale of the canvas, at 60x60 inches, elevates the subject, giving a monumental presence to this charming and unexpected champion.