Zeppelin, 32” x 42”
Medium: Paint on acid-washed steel
Dimensions: 32" × 42"
Weight: 30 lbs.
Private Commission
Year: 2026
Zeppelin was commissioned as a tribute to a beloved Boxer whose quiet confidence and unmistakable expression inspired this portrait. Painted on hand acid-washed steel, the natural patina became an integral part of the composition, ensuring the finished piece could never be duplicated.
Created using Doug Slater's signature process, the portrait balances realism with artistic interpretation, allowing the texture, depth, and character of the steel to remain visible beneath each brushstroke. The result is an original work that captures not only Zeppelin's likeness, but the presence that made him unforgettable.
Created to celebrate Zeppelin's loyal personality and unmistakable expression.
About the Medium
Every Slater Design Studios portrait is hand-painted on acid-washed steel, making each piece completely one of a kind. The natural oxidation, patina, and texture of the steel become part of the artwork itself, creating depth and character that cannot be replicated on canvas or in print.
Unlike a traditional painting, the surface is constantly changing with the light. As you move through the room or as the time of day changes, different colors and textures emerge from the steel, giving the artwork a subtle sense of movement and life.
Many portraits also feature handcrafted three-dimensional metal elements. These details are designed specifically for each commission and transform the artwork from a painting into a sculptural tribute.
No two portraits are ever exactly alike—and that's exactly the point.