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Coloured Pencil Drawing of a Couple and their French Bulldog

DIARMID, MAX & KYLA
Portrait size: 12" x 12"
​Completed December 2016
28th November 2016

" Hi Karen
I have a photo of my girlfriend, me and our wee Frenchie that I would love to have done in coloured pencil in time for Christmas. Is that doable ? "
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Diarmid commissioned a portrait featuring himself, his partner Max, and their seven-month-old French Bulldog, Kyla, as a Christmas gift for Max in 2016. We settled on a 12" x 12" square format, with Diarmid requesting the inclusion of the name 'Pennan', the location where the reference photograph was taken. Below, I outline the creation process for this coloured pencil artwork.
A coloured pencil portrait featuring Diarmid, Max, and their seven-month-old French Bulldog, Kyla, depicted in a 12
Final portrait of Diarmid, Max, and their French Bulldog, Kyla, elegantly presented in a digital mock frame using the Artsphere app.

Refining the Composition from the Pennan Reference


​The portrait was based on a reference photograph taken in Pennan, a picturesque coastal village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In the original image, Diarmid and Max were positioned in front of the iconic red telephone box, famously featured in the 1983 film Local Hero. Due to the chosen 12" x 12" square composition, only a small portion of the telephone box was visible, which limited its prominence in the artwork. After discussion, we agreed that including the telephone box in the final piece was not essential. Instead, to honour the significance of the location, Diarmid approved the inclusion of the text 'Pennan 2016' on the drawing, subtly referencing the village and the year the portrait was created.​

Balancing Detail and Emotion in Portraiture


​Portraits are among my favourite subjects to draw because they present a unique and exciting challenge. Unlike animal subjects, where I can take some creative liberties with details like fur patterns or natural backgrounds Getting the facial features just right is crucial, so if these elements are off, even slightly, the entire portrait can lose its likeness and impact. The chosen square format was ideal for capturing the characteristics of the trio while preserving the harmonious connection between them and maintaining a manageable scale for the coloured pencil medium. A larger size ensures that fine details, can be rendered with precision and clarity. Too small a format risks crowding these features, making them appear muddled or losing the emotional depth that defines the portrait’s charm. This size also accommodated the inclusion of the text ‘Pennan 2016’, subtly woven into the design without overwhelming the focal points.
A coloured pencil drawing of a couple and their French Bulldog framed in a mock Walnut frame
This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing in a simulated display using the ArtStage app

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
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" Hi Karen, Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Wanted to drop you a note to say that Max absolutely loved the portrait! She couldn't believe how well you'd captured the detail from the photo and was thrilled to pieces! We've already recommended you to friends and family and am sure we'll use your amazing skills again in the future.
Have a great New Year!! Diarmid "
Diarmid
Glasgow, Scotland


​Commission a bespoke portrait

If you're looking for a unique gift or a way to commemorate a special occasion, I offer custom portraits of people and pets. Whether you prefer the detail of coloured pencils, the vibrancy of acrylic paints, or the rich texture of oil pastels, I am dedicated to creating a realistic and heartfelt representation of your cherished companion.
​For more information, please visit my commissions page, request a quote or book, or get in touch directly to share your ideas.
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