The sheer joy that these bring to their owners is something to behold. I just love watching people light up when they see them! Each one (except for the collie) is 2×2 inches. The collie is 2.5×3.5 inch.
Each of these little sweethearts measures 2×2 inches. I especially enjoy painting them on the black background. They just have more pizazz some how. Most of these were done as little Christmas ornaments but I guarantee that the owners don’t put them away after the holidays.
These are a few miniature pet portraits that I did by commission. For some reason I really enjoy doing pets in this very tiny format. the Shepherd is 4×4 inch, the puppy is 2.5×3.5 and the cat (belongs to my daughter) is only 2×2 inch. It is possible to learn an awful lot when doing a tiny subject.
This was another commission I had to do before Christmas. I used to have a Cocker Spaniel so I am very familiar with them. I had a very good photo reference for this which is always helpful. I thought I would show a couple pics of my process because I always enjoy seeing how others work through the process. Everyone has a different approach. This was a 10×8 and again the couple who owned this dog was so enthusiastic it was heartwarming (=
It has been way too long since I posted…sorry everyone, sometimes life gets in the way. But I wanted to post this first and show you the finished product. I think she came out really cute. The reaction of the owner when she saw it was priceless. It makes it all worth while when someone is so happy with their painting =D
The only thing I would like to change about this would be that it has no texture. But in all reality, a Dachshund has such a smooth coat that I am ok with it. I was definitely a bit anxious doing a backlit picture. The dog is so dark and there was very little real definition in the photo I had to work from. I was unsure if I would be able to pull it off. But i have to say that I was pretty happy with it, and considering the response of the owner, I am pleased.
This is another shaggy dog portrait. The first time that I attempted to paint one of these shaggy dogs I was perplexed at just how to go about it. It seems that as I have gotten more experience, I am beginning to see all the wonderful colors of light cast upon the individual hairs as well as beginning to better understand how light works as it falls on its subject. One thing I am learning is that no matter how many times you paint a picture, it will come out a bit different each time. It’s pretty interesting to consider this.
I am struggling with this one. I really liked the photo but I am not happy with the painting yet. I think I really dislike the background color, and I also think that the head is too dark. I have tried to adjust him at least once but not feeling that it was successful. I think I need to go back and try again. Really, what have I got to lose if I don’t like it anyway?
I actually find that at this point in a painting, I can actually learn a lot. Once I am not concerned about ruining something I already dislike, I am willing to take more risks. This is a good time to learn.
These sweet little terriers are full of life and enthusiasm. This guy is no exception and he seems to exude his self confidence here. Almost seems to be saying, look at how handsome I am! They are very fun to paint!
I think it is so fun to paint shaggy dogs. They can be challenging at times, but overall, I just think they are fun. They tend to look a bit more comical…maybe that’s why I like them. This particular one went together very quickly. I don’t think I even had to do any preliminary drawing on this one.
Like most Bulldogs, this guy is just full of attitude! It was fun to paint his wrinkles and that piercing eye. It sort of looks like he is saying, ‘you want a piece of me!’ It certainly seems like the most important part of painting animals is the eyes. A painting can be out of proportion and if the eyes speak to you, then you may get away with it. Hopefully the proportions are correct as well, but I’m just trying to make a point…the eyes are very important.
Art with my Coffee 