Friday, October 7, 2016

Shetland Sheepdog charcoal pencil drawing (pet portrait)

I have been fortunate for all the request I have received for portraits since I began taking commissions well over 15 years ago.  In that time span, I have learned much, and there is always something new to learn or adjust to. Social media is one of them and is a double edged sword as it can bring great rewards but is also very time consuming.  Still, one should not overlook the possibilities and never take things for granted as you just never know what can come out of it!!

This portrait was commissioned from a repeat client. I am very honored and flattered at each and every request and this one is no exception. He was a charm to draw! 

"Jasper"
Sheltie
5"x7"
pencil
COMMISSION

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Akita Painting using pastels (Pet Portrait Commission)

I was asked to paint this portrait of a gorgeous Japanese Akita for a client. There were several photos to chose from and it was decided that this one of the dog in the snow was most pleasing and fitting since the pet's name was "Snow"!
I am available for commissions of any pet you may have or have had, fury, feathery, scaly, or even slimy! Being a nature artist and biologist, painting animals, pets and wildlife is like Second Nature!

"Snow"
Akita
Pastel
9"x12"
COMMISSION

Akita dog portrait using pastels

I'm having so much fun painting this commission of an Akita frolicking in the snow! After I completed most of the facial features, I added the snow background/foreground before I can finish up the fur around the outline of the dog.

I hope you enjoy watching the progress of my pet portraits...


Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Custom portrait of sheltie/border collie mix painting using pastels

When I was approached to paint this portrait of Kara, I was astonished to see the long fur on her very erect ears. I was thrilled at the chance to draw a dog with such a charming appearance and wonderful colors. She will truly be missed by her loving family and I am honored to have been chosen to create such a touching lasting memory of a dear loyal companion.

Kara
Shetland Sheepdog/Border Collie mix
8x10
pastel
COMMISSION

Painting of Chocolate and Yellow Labrador Retriever portrait

Some months, time goes buy so fast that I barely remember the days. I work on many different projects simultaneously and so it can be easy to loose track of the world around me.

Anyways, I home to find more time to post more updates to this blog. Here is a commissioned piece that was presented to a happy Dad on Father's Day.  I am told that he feels like the dogs keep looking at him no matter where he moves to in the room and he is quite elated by that! It's like his dogs are again by his side, keeping him company.



 
Apollo & Cassey
11x14
pastel
COMMISSION

A portrait begins with the eyes...the window to the soul!

  I am often asked, when working on a piece, if I start with the eyes on my paintings and the answer is almost always "yes".  Now you may ask why do I start with the eyes when creating a portrait? There are a few reasons:

   Firstly, I want to feel connected to the subject and since the eyes are "the window to the soul", I am able to see the spirit and character early on which helps me render a realistic representation.

    Secondly, I don't particularly like staring at blank ghostly orbits as the rest of the subject comes to life. It's like I'm staring at a ghostly figure with no emotion.

   Thirdly, once I am satisfied I have rendered the eyes to convey the subject's unique character and charm, it gives me confidence that I can truly achieve a good likeness. It just has to look like the client's pet and of course, they have to be in love with it too!

 

You can follow the progress of this and many other portraits on my official facebook page and website 

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Dog Portrait of Shih Tzu and Terrier mix

Pets mean so much to us that they have taken the role of our "furry children" as some people call them. The loyal companionship and unconditional love are probably the main reasons why we keep pets. So, it is no wonder that we want to cherish them forever, and what better way to honor them than with a custom portrait?

I am always thankful when it is possible to meet my subjects in real life as I can instantly get a sense of their true character...something that I always strive to capture on a portrait, along with the obviously important true likeness of course! So, when I was asked to help with photographing these two "fur sisters", I was thrilled at the chance to meet them. As I explained to the client, it is not necessary to capture the two pets on the same photo...that is something that the artist has the ability and freedom to do when they paint or draw their portrait!

Since it is not always possible for me to photograph your pet, I obviously must rely on the client to provide me with photos of them. I am always available to help you choose the right photos for your pet and create one or several "mock up" images to help you decide on the right pose, FREE of charge.  And if you don't have that "perfect" photo of your pet, no worries as I can use my artistic license along with your verbal or written description to create a likeness that you will love!


Chloe and Kacey
11x14
pastel
Commission

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Artists for Conservation Featured artist

Seems like forever since my last post here but with social media sites to maintain, it's difficult to update the blog and main websites!! And of course...summer is finally here so lots of yard work to do in the gardens.  I have also been busy creating many commissions, presenting workshops and teaching private students, as well as decorating cakes! Yikes, I need to share so many news! So much more to come but for now...

I thought I'd share that today I am featured Artists of the day at the Artists's for Conservation website!
Here are some screen shot taken from my phone...and why not hop on over at www.natureartists.com and see what this prestigious organization is all about?!



Monday, April 18, 2016

Weimaraner portrait drawing using graphite, charcoal and colored pencils

I love creating all sorts of portrait poses for my clients!  The following dog drawing was composed using two of the client's photos which features a puppy shot as the main pose and a smaller vignette of the same dog as an adult, portraying one of Addie's favorite pastime. 

For this drawing, I used mainly graphite pencils along with a touch of colored pencils on the main pose. I felt we really had to capture the Weimaraner's impressive pale blue eyes and the unusual brown nose and tones in her shinny fur. In addition, the mauve and green colours of the collar seems to liven up the whole composition.

I really like how the shimmering silver grey tones of  Addy's coat turned out...coupled with that adorably sweet expression, it definitely has become one of my favorite commissions to have had the opportunity to draw!!

So, if you happen to know anyone who might be interested in having a portrait of their furry, scaly or feathery companion, I'd be forever grateful if you could share my website www.colettetheriault.com with them! ♥

"Addie"
Silver Gray Weimaraner 
11"x14"
enhanced graphite drawing
COMMISSION

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Painting in pastel of black capped chickadee and golden aspen in autumn.

I am thrilled beyond thrilled that this fresh new painting of 2016 sold, and before it was ever completed! Since I've  had multiple inquiries about purchasing this chickadee painting, I fully intend on producing limited edition giclee prints so that others can enjoy it as well. And of course, more bird paintings to come in the future!

Photographs of original artwork never do them justice and this one is no exception. I still have to scan and tweak a digital copy to match the original as close as possible but this photo gives you a good idea of the warm soft glowing light shinning through the heart-shaped aspen leaves. So, I aptly named this artwork "Heartwarmer"; I hope you like it! Feel free to share if you like my work! Thanks so much!!

SOLD

"Heartwarmer"
Black-caped chickadee in trembling poplar
approx 8x10
pastel
Private Collection
More work available on my website gallery www.colettetheriault.com

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Quarter (Barrel) Horse Pencil Drawing Portrait Commission

Horses have been a favorite animal of mine since early childhood so it comes as no surprise that I embrace every opportunity I have to paint or draw them!

I was asked to draw this beautiful horse's portrait as a memorial tribute for a friend. I used mainly 8B and F pencils along with my tortillions, chamois and Q-tips for delicate blending.

The original photo included a busy background and the horse was wearing a halter but it was decided to leave those out of the drawing to focus on the subject.

"Darby"
11x14
graphite pencils
COMMISSION

View the work in progress below: 


































Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Painting in Pastel: A Golden Retriever Portrait Commission

I was asked to paint a portrait of this charming Golden Retriever to be presented as a birthday/graduation gift.  The pose below is actually a composite created from two of the client's photographs (the dog was in the snow).  It can be tricky to compose a portrait in this manner as the artist has to consider lighting, angles, and proportions and ensure these are accurately rendered. 

To view more detail, click the image to enlarge.

"Cooper"
8x10
pastel
Commission

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Pastel bird painting of great egret

I started working on the composition of this painting last year and then had put it aside as I was busy with commissions. It was inspired from a photograph I took while visiting Florida during the spring breeding season. This Great Egret was busy pruning his feathers and long graceful plumes and seemed oblivious to the fact that I was a few meters away snapping shots of him.  

I will be posting a time-lapse video of the work in progress at a later date as I now must get back to those commissions waiting for me in the studio. 

 This painting is now SOLD!


Great Egret
untitled
pastel
9x14
Private Collection

Monday, January 11, 2016

Silverpoint Oak Leaf Drawing (.999 pure fine silver)


Something new I've been experimenting with and am very excited to announce that I will be taking commissions using Silverpoint beginning in the next few months.

The extremely fine detail that can be achieved using Silverpoint is somewhat like scratchboard... I  have to use a magnifying glass while working!  You can really see the silvery glistening shine when looking at the drawing at different angles. BUT, you truly must see this in person to appreciate the qualities of the silver on paper.

SOLD


"Oak Leaf"
5x7
Silverpoint
Private Collection


I only use fine quality .999% pure silver for my drawings and the finest archival support that is available.

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Step 9 of Egret pastel painting

Now that I've completed the feathers on this bird and satisfied enough to leave them alone, I have begun working the foliage. At first, I painted the leaves a yellow green hue that went well with rest of the painting BUT just did not sit well with the frame. I then opted to try a blueish tint which was ok but perhaps a bit to saturated with blue.

After my third attempt (below), I believe this is the best color scheme that will suit both the frame and the rest of the painting. While it is nice to have frames on hand, sometimes, it can be a pain to match them to a particular color scheme in a composition and the artist has to be prepared to make changes along the way. Perhaps  I should have done a sample thumbnail composition first but I was happy experimenting and adapting the color scheme as I was working my way through this painting.




Monday, January 4, 2016

Time-lapse Video of a Pastel Painting of Fisherman on the Spanish River, Ontario

Most of my commissions represent great sentimental value to my clients/recipients and this one is no exception. The gentleman portrayed in the scene is unfortunately no longer with us and the family wanted something to remember him by that would bring back fond memories.

The scene is located on the Spanish River at a favorite fishing spot in front of the family cottage on a calm but sunny and warm day.  I can't think of a better portrait to commemorate this particular individual.


For more videos of my paintings and drawings in progress, visit my youtube channel at:

Colette Theriault youtube channel


"Fishing the Spanish"
COMMISSION
11x14
pastel

Friday, January 1, 2016

Step 6 Great Egret Painting in pastel

During the last few days, I've been working on making more time-lapse videos of  Pet Portrait Christmas commissions (which I will share in my next post).  Eventually, when this bird painting is finished, I will be making a video clip of it as well.

Later this afternoon, I took some time out to continue working on the wing feathers of the Great Egret. It can be hard to resist the temptation to overwork parts of a painting...which is what I unfortunately felt I was doing today! I think I will leave those parts of the wing feathers and move on to a different section...

Before the day is over, I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year! I plan to create quite a number of personal pieces this year as I get ready for a solo show!