I have done my share of pet portraits over the years.
This was my first attempt, our friend’s dog, Hope, was a border collie mix. We loved Hope and occasionally dog sat for her. Never in our lives has there been an easier dog to care for. The painting was done with acrylics and a palette knife. Not bad for a beginner…
My next attempt was much more ambitious. I painted my sister’s beloved golden retriever, Ziva. This one was done in watercolors on Arches paper.
I really didn’t know what I was doing and I did at least 3 versions of it before I was happy with it. My sister and her family love it, so that’s all that matters, right?
That year I also did some mini custom pet portraits of a very different variety. A customer wanted her pets portraits on bookmarks. That was unusual enough, but she also wanted each pet to be a unicorn version of itself. Literally, a Unicorn. The results were super cute and I’m glad that I had the chance to do it!
Last year I was commissioned to do another golden retriever portrait. This time of my nephew’s dog, Maya. Feeling a little more confident in myself at this point, I set out on the task. I was soon humbled and restarted the project no less than 3 times. This was my 4th (possibly 5th) attempt and I really love it. More importantly, Matthew, my nephew loves it.
Looking for someone to do a custom pet portrait. Send me an email and let’s talk!!
Woof!!
