Behind the Scenes of a Pet Portrait - Painting and Drawing Tips

Are you an Animal Lover?  I am.  

( If not, this may not be a post for you.  Maybe wait until next week's post on how a Treasure Hunt can improve your drawing skills or last week's post:  5 Ways to Build ART SKILLS while HIBERNATING this Winter)

Max is my BFF - He likes to join me on all my Adventures

My dog, Max is a 4 year old minature poodle.  He loves to join me for walks, hikes, kayaking and even outdoor sketching.  Well I think he likes the hiking part in the outdoor sketching and then of course he is always happy to sleep while I work.  Seems all dogs are happy to do that.    

And yes, I have drawn several portraits of Max... 

ME FETCH?! - Max's baby picture.  Still my favourite.  

(And he still prefers me to chase him rather than him doing the fetching)

And of course - Max has a business card, print, mug, notebook and even a t-shirt.  Once I completed his drawing I could digitally put his image on anything!!  And I have.

Thinking of getting into Commission Work - Join me, Behind the Scene

 Steps in Creating a Pet Portrait

 1.  The photos

I encourage pet owners to send me several photos.  One with the pose they are looking for and others just to give me more information on what their pet looks like.  A picture may be worth a thousand words but it doesn't always tell you everything you need to know for a realistic drawing of an animal.

Pictured above, some of the fellows I have had the pleasure of drawing.  

2.  The plan

This is an important part of the process.  Often several emails will go back and forth before a final plan is approved.  I use photoshop to crop pictures and to draw in details.  It helps in the discussion.  I usually offer several options for how a picture may be designed.

 

3.  Once a plan is in place the drawing begins. This is the fun part for me.  I really enjoy working on the animals.  Watching them come to life on my paper is very exciting.   

4. The Proofing Process
This can be a tense time for me.  When the drawing is done, I photograph it and send the proof to the owner.  I know that my drawing might be a good drawing of a cat or dog but the question is 'Does it look like their cat or dog?'  

Yes, there is a revision process.  And this is something every artist must be prepared for.  I do warn my clients that small changes can be made but the paper will be damaged if I try and make big changes. Usually it is a matter of tweaking values and adding/removing minor things.  Again the emails will fly back and forth as I make the changes, photograph the picture and send a new proof along.

  

TEDDY -  One of this year's Christmas Commissions

Pet portraits often are more than just one animal.  Sometimes it is a collage of favourite pictures and often it includes the owner as well.  Many times I need to do research as body parts are missing in the photo.  In the class of little Teddy above, they owner wanted to see some of Teddy's eyes.  Sometimes I am adding a paw or tail that has been clipped in the picture.  All of these things make for the kind of  interesting challenges that I like.  

                             WALKING BUDDIES - This is me with my old guy Rusty.  

5.  The Finish

I like to give a light spray of fixative to my drawings just to hold the graphite so it doesn't smear in transit.  Once that is done I cut a mat for the picture and package it up to go home.  

Drawing Pet Portraits can be a very rewarding experience but it is not for everyone.  You are creating someone else's plan.  Not being alone in the driver's seat, can be a new experience.  I enjoy the challenge but not everyone does.  

If you would like to chat with me about getting into commission work.  Drop me a line.  

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Have a great Artful Day,