Creating a Pet Portrait....

This past holiday season I was fortunate enough to have five clients who commissioned pet portraits for presents!

I decided to take some pictures to demonstrate my method of creating a pet portrait... I hope you enjoy this post!

Happy 2019!

The portrait used for this post was requested by return customer who wanted a picture created, as a present, for her daughter's December birthday:

First Step:

I print out a color picture (provided by client). I also like to keep a digital copy on my phone so I can zoom in or lighten parts up for specific details. Next I sketch out a non-detailed outline of my models. I like to use a clipboard-type drawing board to work on because it is portable and I find it easier to work with.

Second Step:

I lay down the basic colors of the subjects, starting with the lightest colors, blending, then add the darker shades. Chalk pastel requires much layering, and blending, to achieve the colors and markings of the individual animals coat. At this point, in the painting, I decide on the background layout and colors.

Third Step:

Now you can see the pet portrait coming together with more colors blended and more detail added. Most blending I do with with my fingers, although for smaller areas I will use a blending stomp tool. At this time, I go back again with lighter shades over the darker ones. I will usually leave the eyes until the end as I consider the eyes the most important detail of the piece.

Fourth Step:

As you can see, I have now added the eyes and this portrait is almost complete. I have drawn in fine details with a white chalk pencil and a charcoal pencil. I will also use various shades of pastel pencils, to add more detail, if needed.

Fifth Step:

The completed portrait is sprayed with a fixative (to protect the chalk pastel) and matted. The color of the matte varies to compliment the colors in the portrait. As you may notice I have also touched up the dogs, with a white pastel, to highlight. I have also signed the piece and it is ready for a frame!

Final Portrait:

Most of my completed pet portraits are framed in a plain black, 10 x 13, art frame. Below, you can see the completed artwork, framed and ready to give as a gift or hang in your own home!