Monday, October 31, 2011

One more update...

I am pleased to say that I managed to sit long enough today to complete the first dog on this portrait. I have had many distractions lately and find it difficult to concentrate long enough to get a significant amount of drawing done. With tonight being Halloween, I figure I'd try to get most of the work done during the day. Let's hope I can get this one completed by the end of the week.
Happy Halloween everyone!

Dog portrait continued...

Here's another update of the current commission on my easel. I am hoping to complete the rest of the fur on the golden mixbreed today.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The start of a new dog portrait

After some time away from the blog world, I now have some free time to post an update of my next commission; this time of two lovely mix breed dogs resting on their favorite spot aka the family sofa.
For this piece, I am using mainly Rembrandt's pastels along with various brands of pastel pencils on grey colored suede board. You can see the mottling effect (all of which will disappear since the whole painting will be covered in pastel) of the suede on the image below.
dog portrait progress step 1

dog portrait in progress step 2

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

American Eskimo (Miniature) Dog Montage Portrait in Pastel

The following dog portrait commission was done using soft pastels on sand colored Hahnemule velour board.

American Eskimo (Miniature) Dog Montage Portrait in Pastel
"Sadie"
18"x14"
pastel

Friday, October 14, 2011

Today's studio work

Seems the rainy weather is keeping me inside again today which turns out to be a good thing. This means I am not tempted to leave the studio and avoid what needs to be done! The distractions of working at home can become too great at times and it takes much discipline to keep on track.  With that said, here is where the American Eskimo montage portrait is at. I am almost done the central pose with only a few more touch ups to do then I move to the last smaller pose.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Step 3 of Dog Montage Portrait

In this sitting, I completed the third pose of the puppy running in the grass. The original reference image was rather small and blurry so it did present it's challenges. Nonetheless, I feel the lack of sharpness on the drawing accentuates the feel of movement as the dog hops along the ground.



The next step I will begin to work on the larger, main pose of the Miniature American Eskimo.



Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dog Montage Portrait update

Today, I managed to complete two of the smaller poses. Most likely, I will start on the bottom left one next, before I begin the larger, main central pose. You might notice that one eye is missing on the top left pose. Unfortunately, Sadie lost an eye in her golden years but she is just as beautiful!
dog montage portrait

dog montage portraitdog montage portrait

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Portrait of Dog Montage Stage 1

Montage Portrait of Miniature American Eskimo
This commission  of a miniature American Eskimo will feature a main central pose surrounded by 4 smaller poses of the dog depicting special moments in her life.  I will be posting the progress of this portrait on my blog and website so please do come back and visit!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

German Short Haired Pointer Portrait in Pastel

German short haired pointer portrait in pastel
Portrait of "Kaiser"~German Short Haired Pointer
Pastel on fine sandpaper
10"x8"
To view the work in progress of this portrait please visit:

More progress on dog portait

I am hoping to have this commission completed before the end of this week as I have reached the homestretch phase of the portrait. This is always the most exciting time for me when everything comes together and the dog suddenly seems to spring to life on the paper.

German short haired pointer portrait in pastel
Dog breed hints: German/hunting