Creating a Pet Portrait

This painting was commissioned.

The choice of photographs can be difficult but for multiple subject studies they must compliment each other.
Here, Max has an open mouth which would be acceptible if he were in centre position. The client has requested (quite rightly) that Sheba (Mum) be in the middle, so I shall need to adjust this image.
Apart from the missing tips of Cash's ears, the other two photos are fine.

Balance is everything.
  It doesn't matter how well executed,   a picture will never fully appeal if the shape of the subjects are not well balanced.
  And remember ....... the space around the finished artwork is just as important as the subject matter itself.
  Get this part correct now or you may put a lot of time and effort into something you can never be completely happy with.

  Once the initial sketches have been adjusted and you are completely happy with the layout, add the background.
  Apply only light layers of watercolour to the subjects as you can always add more - you cannot take paint off.
  Allow each layer to dry before
applying more paint.

  Accurate coat-colour matching can be a problem when working exclusively from photographs.
  It is important to get as much information as possible from the client, especially which image best represents colouring.
  I prefer to create each study individually, almost completing one before starting on the next.
  Max is finished and I am now concentrating on Sheba.
  Cash is still virtually untouched.

  The final layer of graphite is added to give that special
3D effect.
  After standing back several times to view from a distance, making slight alterations here and there, adding and re-adjusting areas that do not sit right ............. the painting is finished at last.
   And now walk away!

I hope this has been of some interest to those interested in the workings of a fine artist, and of some help to fellow animal artists that do not have a great deal of experience in this field. Please contact me at pam@pamreed.co.uk if you would like further information or advice on domestic animal and pet portraiture.
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