Black Cocker Spaniel in Coloured Pencils

Benny - Cocker Spaniel

The Commissionee sent 3 photos of Benny, all of which helped to create the final pencil portrait. The reference photo seen here was the ideal pose but the lighting was off and so I used the header photo for his colouration. The 3rd photograph (below), although a small and dark photo of Benny, showed the white wisp of fur on his chest that could not be seen on either of the other photos, this is why it is important to supply a number of photos of the subject so I can ensure precise detail and colour in the final portrait.

MEDIUM: Coloured Pencils
SIZE: 8" X 10"
SUPPORT: Bockingford 300gsm
COMPLETED: DECEMBER 2017

Hi Karen,
Just received the portraits. They are stunning and so lifelike. I've just left them to be framed and they will be ready for Christmas.
Thanks again, you are so talented.

The Completed Portrait

Watch the portrait come together

A pencil portrait begins with laying down the base layers following the direction of the fur to keep perspectives in check as I go along. I begin with light tones of grey and build up to the darker tones over the period of the portrait. I always create the eyes first and created the nose next. Benny's neckline is under exposed on the photo meaning I cannot see any detail there and so I spent some time searching the internet for suitable Spaniel photos.

I began placing loose layers of fur around the chest area and then created the collar before continuing onto the neck section. Once all the details were placed, I began darkening up the colours and finished up with highlights and fine detail to finalise the portrait. The last application was a layer of black to darken the fur and the whiskers were finally put in before spraying the whole portrait with a UV fixative for added protection.

The Completed Portraits together

Both these portraits were created in a faster time frame than usual due to framing requirements and the framer's timescales. Both were created by alternating between the 2 using a tightly planned schedule. Once complete, both portraits were treated with a UV fixative and each came with their own certificate of Authenticity. If you wish to see how Taz the Mackerel Tabby Cat's portrait came together, you can click on his reference photo, bottom right.