Thursday, September 30, 2010

Next pet portrait commission...


What happened to my scanner?? Gosh, I do apologize for the poor quality. I'm assuming it is because I've used a light "H" pencil and it is not being picked up very well on the white paper.
Although perhaps hard to tell at this stage, this dog portrait is of a border collie/Labrador mix.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Dog Portrait in Pencil


Here is "Bear" in all his glory! Don't you just love his soft, fluffy fur and cute, smiley expression?

Update on Keeshond Drawing


This is finally starting to look more like a dog at this stage. I should have this one done today if I don't get too distracted!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Keeshond Portrait work in progress


This is the very beginning of my next dog portrait commission; a Keeshond named Bear. The original photograph portrays Bear with his ears back but the owner wants me to draw him with his ears up. Unfortunately, Bear is no longer with his owners and taking additional photographs of him is impossible. Therefore, I am actually working with several different photos to help me draw his portrait.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Kane up close


Almost forgot... here's a close up of Kane, a most handsome GSD!

German Shepherd Dog Portrait


Seems the pencil portrait of the two dogs is almost done! I'm waiting on the client for the placement of the dogs' names (on the bottom left). Perhaps they will decide otherwise as I can't see any other place to add them in.

Tomorrow, I start to work on yet another dog portrait. Stay tuned for what interesting breed is next on the easel.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Framed cat pastel portrait

Thought I should share how I am presenting the cat portrait. I added a 3/4" mat and lifted the pastel from behind the mat so that any accumulating dust falls behind the mat. This is usually standard practice when framing pastels. I'd also like to mention that I did not use a spray fixative on this particular pastel. I do, however, like to give a light spraying of fixative when I ship unframed pastel work.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Tabby Cat Portrait commission and more

Pastel on suede, 5" x 7"

I am relieved that I managed to finish this pastel portrait of a tabby cat, just in time to give as a wedding present next weekend.

Thankfully, the remainder of the commissions are coming along. Here's another scan of the two shepherds, Sienna and Kane (graphite).
Once I'm done the neck fur, I still need to go back and redefine the darkest black areas as they sometimes become dull as I work the area.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Dog drawing work in progress


Here's an update on the GSD portrait. I'm always more anxious when working on a larger portrait or one with multiple subjects or poses and am quite relieved when the last bit of the drawing is finished. I still have a ways to go here, but I feel confident once the muzzle and face is done, the rest will be smooth sailing.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Sienna, the German Shepherd Dog


I managed to sit long enough today to complete the first dog in the portrait. Sienna is a pretty girl, don't you all agree? I love drawing shepherds as they are one of my favorite breed.

I should start to work on the next dog tomorrow, I sure hope!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Dog drawing comission of two shepherds


I am becoming quite busy as the Christmas season approaches. Next on the commission queue is a graphite pencil drawing of two German shepherd rescue dogs named Sienna and Kane. The portrait measures 11" x 14".
Check Spelling

Kerry Blue Terrier portrait in pencil almost done!


The portrait of Marshall is pending owner approval. I am waiting on placement of the dog's name and then I can add the finishing touches to the portrait.

I am quite pleased at how the curly hair turned out...makes me feel like I want to pass my fingers on his coat. Funny how I thought this terrier to have a rough, wiry coat, when in fact, the owner assures me it is smooth as silk.