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In this article, I am pleased to share my latest artworks. Three new acrylic paintings, which include a touching moment of a father embracing his son on his wedding day, a young girl named Lois riding her grey horse Vinnie, and Lois's sweet little black Cockapoochon. Additionally, I unveil my latest coloured pencil portraits, featuring a Golden Retriever surrounded by vibrant pink Hydrangeas, and two Boxer dogs that complement last Christmas's portraits. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to capture the essence and personality of the subjects and each one was commissioned for friends and family members for various special occasions, including Christmas. Discover the inspiration behind each unique creation and watch how these portraits were brought to life through the time-lapse videos. For those interested in commissioning a personal portrait, more information can be found on my Commissions page. Jimmy & Craig - Portrait in AcrylicsGifted by Daniel to a friend after the recent loss of his father Daniel made a formal request for an acrylic painting measuring 12" by 16", depicting a heartfelt moment of a friend embracing his father during his wedding ceremony. This artwork was commissioned as a thoughtful gift to commemorate his friend's birthday in December. Daniel's initial request is detailed below: " I am considering getting a portrait commissioned (30x40 acrylic) on behalf of my friend whose father has recently passed. The picture I have is taken indoors, although well lit, when his father surprised us all by making it to his wedding day despite being critically ill. It was a pivotal moment in his life and I would love it captured by yourself and I think it would help him through the grieving process. "  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Portraiture is among my favourite subjects to create. As an artist, I find inspiration in challenges, and I consider portraits to be particularly demanding. While the majority of my work focuses on pets, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to diversify my portfolio when clients inquire about portrait commissions. Although I generally refrain from incorporating text into my paintings, I recognised the significance of this phrase to the recipient. As a result, I was able to integrate it in a way that maintains both cohesiveness and visual appeal.  'Jimmy & Craig' Below are two time-lapse videos that highlight two key stages of the painting process. The first video illustrates the detailing of the jackets, while the second video focuses on the completion of the face and head. Although the videos are brief, they each represent around 2 hours of work.
" Hi Karen, I have reviewed the painting and it's exactly how you promised it would be. I'm sure he'll love it." Daniel Merseyside, UK If you’d like to dive deeper into the process, feel free to visit the dedicated page for Jimmy & Craig’s portrait, where I share my personal insights and an in-depth overview. Two Acrylic Paintings of a Young Girl and her Horse plus her Cockapoochon dogGifted by Joan to her great-grand-daughter Lois The two portraits displayed below were commissioned by my lovely neighbour, Joan, as a thoughtful gift for her great-granddaughter, Lois, who is 13 years old. Initially, the request included Tux being featured in the portrait with Lois and her horse; however, it was ultimately decided to create two separate paintings.  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Both of these portraits were developed from physical photographs, which presents a greater challenge compared to digital images due to limited editing capabilities. While it is possible to adjust brightness and contrast in the scanned photo, extracting additional detail as one would with a digital file is not feasible, which added complexity to the process. Additionally, I designed a new background, as the original photo lacked visual appeal.  In this case, the original image presented a concrete road, a few sparse trees, and a dreary overcast sky, which inspired me to explore ways to improve the scene. By transforming the background with lush greenery and a brighter sky, I turned a rather mundane setting into a more visually appealing landscape.  For Tux's portrait, the 8" x 10" size was most appropriate. However, the reference photo was relatively small and lacked detail in several key areas. Since I only had the single photo to work from, I had to rely on online images of black Cockapoo dogs to enhance my understanding of the details in the eyes and to help differentiate the fur on the face, forehead, and ears. While this approach carries some risk of deviating from Tux's actual appearance, it was the only viable option.  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Both portraits were presented in matching silver-gold frames. I experimented with several ornate frames available in my studio; however, I realised that they did not enhance the paintings as intended and, in fact, detracted from their overall impact. Consequently, a simpler molding was more effective in this case. For further information regarding these paintings, please visit the dedicated page for Lois, Vinnie, and Tux, where I provide an in-depth overview of the process. A Coloured Pencil Memorial Drawing of Elsa, the Golden RetrieverIn memory of Elsa - October 2024 This was gifted from Melvin and Kay to two dear friends in honour of their cherished Golden Retriever (and ex guide dog), Elsa, who recently passed away. Due to the nature of this presentation as a surprise gift for the two recipients, the commissioner was only able to supply a limited selection of photos of Elsa. Although the available details were minimal, I was able to create a new composition based on one of the photos, featuring Elsa in a recognisable area of the garden, positioned beneath the Hydrangea bush with a tennis ball in front of her. " We are looking to place a commission for a portrait of a dog and we are very impressed with your body of work. The subject doesn’t belong to us but is very dear to us. The dog is named Elsa and she is a retired guide dog and she lives with two very special friends of ours. Very sadly, Elsa is coming to the end of her life and we are hoping a portrait will give our friends a lasting memory of Elsa."  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Elsa frequently found comfort beneath the hydrangea bush, highlighting the importance of creating a composition that would serve as a lasting tribute to her in her favourite spot in the garden. The portrait was developed using two distinct images, as the client was unable to provide a suitable photo of her in a lying position. I combined a photograph of Elsa's head with an image of the body from a different Golden Retriever to achieve a realistic representation of the desired pose. Additionally, I used other photographs of Elsa to ensure that the colouration accurately reflected her likeness, while also omitting any white hairs typical of her youthful age of eight years, in accordance with the client's request.  As you might expect, the most time-consuming aspect of the portrait was meticulously crafting the leaves and petals of the flowers. I found myself consistently underestimating the amount of time this intricate detail required, often losing track of how many hours I dedicated to perfecting the background detail. To give you a sense of the labour involved, I’ve included a couple of time-lapse videos. These clips capture the painstaking process and reveal the hours of effort that went into each stage of the artwork, with each video spanning approximately two and a half to three hours of my work. As previously mentioned, I have a deep passion for tackling challenges, and I found immense satisfaction in the process.
" We cannot thank you enough for the amazing portrait you have produced and we are in awe of your artistic skill. It is a beautiful composition and it truly encapsulates Elsa in a very typical pose we have all witnessed many times." Melvin & Kay West Midlands, UK Maggot the Boxer dog in Coloured PencilsLast year, Jet commissioned coloured pencil portraits of her Boxer dogs. However, two additional Boxer dogs belonging to Jet and her friend Mark had not reached maturity at that time. To ensure their portraits could be displayed alongside the previously commissioned pieces, Jet decided it would be prudent to wait an extra year. Maggot is Jet's third Boxer dog, joining her other two, Carrot and Fungus. The framed examples are presented as a simulation for display purposes, but have yet to be framed. The portraits of all three dogs together are also showcased further down the page.  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Although the reference photograph was of exceptional detail, I used an additional reference image to make adjustments to the left ear, which was protruding and could potentially disrupt the balance of the overall presentation. It is uncommon for me to produce a portrait based solely on a single photograph; typically, I incorporate a combination of elements from multiple images to achieve the desired outcome. During certain periods in my creative process, I capture time-lapse recordings that provide viewers with an insight into the methodology behind my portrait creation. This video features a series of time-lapse recordings captured during key stages of my creative process, offering a detailed look at how my coloured pencil portraits are developed. Using Maggot as the subject, it illustrates the techniques and structure behind my approach to lifelike portraiture.  The image above was taken during the final stages of completing Maggot's portrait. This process involved the meticulous addition of whiskers and final adjustments to ensure the artwork’s completion. At this stage, I proceed to sign the portrait, followed by the application of two to three layers of fixative spray to provide enhanced protection for the finished piece.  This image illustrates the final drawings, with all framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. The three portraits are showcased here through a simulation application that allows you to visualise how they may appear when framed and displayed together. To ensure consistency in size among the portraits, particularly since two of them were completed a year ago, I always maintain a printed reference image that allows me to accurately evaluate and align the dimensions of any subsequent portraits. Rooster the Boxer dog in Coloured PencilsThis Christmas, my friend Jet commissioned a second portrait as a gift for her friend Mark. This piece features Mark's now-matured male Boxer dog, Rooster, and is designed to complement the previously commissioned portrait of his brindle Boxer, Watson, which was created last year. The framed examples presented are simulations for display purposes, as the actual portraits have yet to be framed. Additionally, further down the page, both portraits of the dogs are showcased together.  This image illustrates the final drawing, with framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. Throughout various stages of my creative process, I capture time-lapse recordings that give viewers a deeper understanding of the techniques involved in my portrait creation. The two videos featured here, though they are only a few seconds long, encapsulate a considerable amount of time and effort; each represents approximately 2 to 3 hours of meticulous work. These recordings serve not only to showcase the final product but also to highlight the intricate steps taken and the evolution of the artwork from initial concept to completion.
I began my first commission in July, and as I received more requests, I effectively adapted my schedule, working on each project every other day. This approach allowed me to prioritise those with upcoming deadlines and ensure timely completion. I coordinated the ordering of acrylic paintings and their frames at the same time as starting each portrait, which proved to be a smart strategy for ensuring everything was ready for the final varnishing.  By mid-November, I was fully booked, leaving no room for additional commissions until Jet reached out to me with a photo of Rooster at the end of November. Drawing from my experience in creating Boxer dog illustrations, I was able to efficiently integrate this new project into my workflow and remarkably finished it in just eight days! The constrained timeframe presented an intriguing challenge, leading to the surprising realisation that I was able to complete a large 10" x 12" coloured pencil portrait in a remarkably short period. Typically, I would not work at such a pace for a piece of this size, making this experience a notable exception.  This image illustrates the final drawings, with all framing presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. If you are interested in commissioning a lifelike, custom-made coloured pencil portrait or an acrylic painting of your pet, a loved one, or any other subject, you can find out more on my commissions page or contact me via email at: [email protected] to discuss your ideas for the portrait. Additionally, I offer oil pastel portraits for those seeking a more expressive interpretation of your chosen subject.
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Welcome to my latest blog post, where I document the progress of another of my coloured pencil drawing of a Boxer dog called Rooster. This blog showcases the process I use to create my lifelike pencil portrait of a Boxer dog, from the early stages to completion. I always begin my portrait process by meticulously rendering the eyes, as they are crucial for capturing the subject's unique personality and lifelike expression. From there, I move on to the nose, the progressively work outwards, building the portrait through a series of carefully applied layers of colour. My focus at this stage is on creating realistic depth and dimension. Each subsequent layer is precisely added to achieve the desired texture and tone, with particular attention paid to intricate details like Rooster's distinctive markings and individual strands of fur.  Capturing the Boxer's Unique CharacterAs I begin to build up the layers, I employ a diverse palette of colours to meticulously sculpt the distinctive creases and contours of a Boxer's facial features. This intricate layering is essential for rendering their unique facial structure with accuracy and depth. One of the most enjoyable aspects of portraying a Boxer is creating the mouth. The significant definition around this area is crucial, as it profoundly contributes to revealing the true character and expression of the dog. With years of experience and numerous Boxer portraits under my belt, these techniques have become second nature, allowing me to fully capture each personality.  My Artistic Process in MotionI enjoy recording time-lapse videos during my creative process; they effectively demonstrate how my coloured pencil drawings come to life. While seemingly brief, the two videos below condense just over three hours of drawing time, offering a comprehensive look at the intricate layering involved. My process typically begins with the eyes. This has become both an ingrained habit and a strategic choice developed over 40 years of working with coloured pencils. This initial focus allows for precision from the outset, making the rest of the portrait much easier to complete.
Crafting with Coloured Pencil: My Preferred Brands:I create my coloured pencil portraits using a carefully curated selection of lightfast pencils, predominantly Caran d'A'che Luminance, alongside Derwent's Lightfast, Coloursoft, and Drawing ranges. These are layered onto Bockingford hot-pressed paper, a high-quality, heavyweight British-made support specifically chosen for its capacity to handle numerous layers of pigment. This unique combination allows me to achieve the high level of detail you see in my art. Curious about how Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils contribute to the intricate detail in my work? Read the full article on my other website, www.stepbystepart.com. This is a website by artists, for artists, with articles, guides, hints and tips plus tutorials, aimed at artists of all calibre.  Thanks for reading! If you're looking for a unique and personal piece of art, I create custom, lifelike portraits in both coloured pencil and acrylics, perfect for capturing the spirit of your pet, a loved one, or any other significant subject. Discover more about the commissioning process on my Commissions page, request a quote, or feel free to reach out directly via email to share your vision. For a more expressive artistic approach, consider my oil pastel portraits. Pet Portraits in Focus: The Progress of a Lifelike Coloured Pencil Portrait of Maggot the Boxer24/11/2024 
This marks the fifth portrait I've completed in the past year for my friend Jet. She initially commissioned two portraits of her beautiful Boxer dogs, Carrot and Fungus, and decided to wait until her third pup matured before asking me to create another, named Maggot. Additionally, last year's commissions also included pencil portraits featuring her mother's dogs, Masuda and Kudu, as well as Watson, another Boxer dog belonging to her friend Mark. Each portrait has a dedicated progress page, accessible via the provided links, showcasing the creation process.
Planning the Composition for a Coloured Pencil DrawingJet possesses an extraordinary talent for photography, and her selections for reference photos will always represent the very best available. In this specific image, Maggot is engaging in direct eye contact with the viewer, creating a powerful connection. However, one ear appears slightly askew, which can distract from the primary focus on her eyes. Therefore, it was decided to adjust her ear to align it with the other one for a more cohesive look. An ear from a secondary photograph was superimposed onto the reference image, allowing for a simplified working process. It is important to recognise that there is no singular requirement for a reference image. Any photograph selected by me as the artist reflects the optimal stance and composition; however, the ideal reference photo is one that the pet owner believes captures the essence of their pet most accurately. It is important to preserve distinctive characteristics in a dog's portrait, such as a subtly raised lip or an unusually angled ear, in order to authentically represent their individuality. 
The early stages of the layering process with more layers yet to add.
As a traditional artist specialising in lifelike portraiture, I always start with the eyes. They must be accurately rendered, as any discrepancy can compromise the entire portrait. It's much easier to begin anew at this early stage than to invest hours into a portrait, only to realise it just can't be salvaged. Despite having over 40 years of experience in the field, I continue to adhere to this rule. When using coloured pencils, it is crucial to recognise that, unlike other mediums, overworking any area, especially the eyes, can place undue pressure on the paper's surface, potentially leading to tears. Therefore, careful planning throughout the process is essential to avoid overworking these areas.
Techniques & Colour PaletteBoth images above demonstrate the layering technique that I use in all of my coloured pencil drawings. By applying additional layers, I am able to enhance the details and achieve a more realistic representation in the artwork. The depiction of this area of the eye may involve the use of numerous colours, each consisting of five or six primary hues. Additionally, contrasts and highlights are incorporated using lighter and darker pigments from the same colour family. The extensive colour palette offered by the Caran d'Ache Luminance pencil range is the sole reason I favour this brand over many others.
The artwork is finalised when I apply the highlights with the most pressure, creating slight indentations in the paper that enhance the realism of the piece. This is why I advise customers to contact me during the drawing process if they wish to request any modifications.
Time-lapse video showing the creation of Maggot
Time-lapse videos serve as an effective means to illustrate the process involved in the creation of my coloured pencil portraits. Although these videos condense several hours of work into just a few seconds, they provide a clear view of the artistic journey.
At this stage, I am merely applying colours and providing some definition; however, I will return to these areas for further refinement, typically by adding highlights to eliminate the visibility of the paper grain, thereby enhancing the appearance to be more realistic and soft, akin fur.
After an additional two and a half hours, the fur appears shiny and more defined. Significantly, it now resembles actual fur in terms of realism.
If you're considering a unique, hand-drawn portrait created with coloured pencils, I'd love to hear from you! To learn more about commissioning your own portrait, please click on any of the links below. You'll find detailed information about the process, pricing, and what to expect.
I also offer acrylic paintings, which offer vibrant, bold colours and dynamic textures for a painterly finish, providing a distinct alternative to the detailed precision of coloured pencils. You can discover more about them in my acrylics gallery. There's absolutely no obligation to book, so why not drop me a line with your query? Simply email me at: [email protected] In October 2023, my friend Jet asked me to create four coloured pencil portraits. One portrait was intended as a gift for Jet's friend, another for her mother, and the other two were portraits of her beloved Boxer dogs. I have known Jet for over three decades, and during this time, I have had the pleasure of creating pencil portraits of her dogs on several occasions. Here are all four portraits displayed with additional information about each individual. You can access a link below each image to learn more. A Coloured Pencil Drawing of a White Boxer DogFor this particular portrait, I had to be a little creative with the dog's body. Since the reference photo had limited detail, I used a photo from a gallery I've built up over the years of the client's other white Boxer dogs. This approach allowed me to complete the piece accurately and create a final portrait that was a true representation of the subject. It's a technique I've used successfully on a number of pet portraits to ensure the finished artwork is as complete and detailed as possible.  A coloured pencil drawing of a white Boxer dog called Carrot - Framing is simulated using the ArtStage app While the concept of drawing a white dog on white paper may appear challenging, the key lies in understanding that white fur is not a singular tone, but a composition of subtle grey shades and shadows. The white paper itself serves as the highlight, providing the perfect foundation to build upon. If you'd like to learn more about the process or see more of the finished piece, just click the link below! A Coloured Pencil Drawing of a Brindle Boxer DogThe reference photo for this portrait of Watson showed him wearing a thick blue collar, but it was cropped tightly, leaving very little of his body visible. To fulfil the client's request to have the collar removed and to create a complete and accurate portrait, I needed additional reference material. I was able to use a second photo of Watson, taken from a similar pose, which provided the necessary detail to accurately capture his body's form and extend the composition beyond the original image.  A coloured pencil drawing of a brindle Boxer dog presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app While it is possible to remove a collar during the portrait creation process, it adds a layer of complexity. The best way to ensure a seamless and accurate final piece is for the client to take the reference photograph without the collar if they do not wish for it to be included in the portrait. A clear, collar-free photo allows me to focus on the fine details of the dog's fur and form, resulting in a more natural and authentic piece of art from the very beginning. A Coloured Pencil Drawing of a Fawn Boxer DogThe reference photo of Fungus provided by his owner, Jet, was ideal for this portrait. It was a large, high-resolution file with incredible detailing that remained sharp even when zoomed in. Taken outdoors in natural daylight, it had a perfect balance of light and shadow, which is always the best option for capturing a pet's true likeness. Although the photo was excellent, I needed to get creative with a few areas. Fungus was wearing a collar, so his chest wasn't fully visible. To ensure the finished portrait was as accurate as possible, I used a second image of him to fill in these missing details, as I did with the other portraits.  A coloured pencil drawing of a fawn Boxer dog in a walnut frame, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app This video offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at three Boxer dog portraits, displayed side-by-side on the studio shelf. Without any sound or commentary, the focus is entirely on the finished artwork. The video invites you to simply observe the details of each piece, and showcasing them together highlights the unique character of each dog while also displaying the consistent style and meticulous detail applied across all three drawings. A Coloured Pencil Drawing of two Mixed Breed Rescue DogsCreating this portrait presented a unique challenge, particularly with the smaller, grey dog, Kudu. The main reference photo showed him wearing a full harness that obscured a significant portion of his body, leaving many of the details of his fur and form to be filled in. To ensure as much accuracy as possible, I had to use a variety of other photos to complete the drawing. This was made even more difficult by the fact that both dogs were mixed breeds, meaning I couldn't rely on typical breed-specific research to inform the details.  A coloured pencil drawing of two mixed breed dogs in a white frame, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app I discussed these challenges with my friend beforehand, and she understood that the final piece may not be a perfect representation of Kudu due to the lack of clear reference material. Jet allowed me to approach the portrait with a bit more artistic freedom, and ultimately, I was able to create a piece that captures the spirit of both dogs, using the available photos to bring their personalities to life. Final ThoughtsAll the dogs in the photos wore either a collar or a harness, which were removed in the drawing as per Jet's request. Fortunately, Jet provided me with a collection of photos of each dog to make the process relatively easy. The photos were incredibly helpful as they provided me with a clear view of the intricate details that were obscured by the collars in the reference photos. However, there may be instances where the removal of collars, especially harnesses, is a difficult task, especially if they hide crucial details. In such a scenario, removing them can only be considered if additional photographs are made available.  All four coloured pencil drawings in a grey wood frames, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app PHOTO TIPS For advice on selecting the best reference photos for your own bespoke portrait, or for tips on conducting a mini photoshoot to gather suitable images, please visit my 'Photography Tips' page. I offer simple guidance to help ensure your photos will result in a high-quality portrait that you'll cherish for years to come. If you're interested in a custom coloured pencil portrait, I'd be delighted to discuss your ideas. Whether you have a beloved pet, a cherished family member, or another subject in mind, please get in touch! You can learn more by visiting my commissions page, or feel free to email me directly at to start the conversation. Portrait size: 12" x 12" BuBu had recently passed away, and Joanne wanted to gift her husband a portrait of him for Christmas as a heartfelt tribute to their much-loved Boxer dog. Planning the surprise came with its challenges, as she needed her husband to unknowingly help select his favourite images, so we could identify one suitable for reference. Joanne shared a wide array of photos; while many weren't ideal for a formal portrait, they were full of insight into BuBu’s colouring and character, helping me understand the soul behind the dog. This page walks through how BuBu's portrait came together, offering a glimpse into the process that shaped it.  Before any pencil touched paper, the first challenge was to create the perfect reference image, and that takes time. It doesn’t matter how many photos a client sends, or how many tweaks are needed to get there; what matters is finding the image that truly works. In BuBu’s case, it took nearly three weeks to finalise the composition. The best photo had been taken indoors with uneven lighting, and his ears were unnaturally positioned, not quite the natural stance we wanted. I ended up superimposing his ears from a second photo to achieve a more relaxed pose. I also made subtle adjustments to the proportions, reducing his head size slightly to better balance with his body. His eyes were tweaked so that he looked forward, and I softened his mouth and harmonised the facial tones using details from several other photos. Joanne had also sent images of a park they used to walk in together, which became the backdrop, quietly framing the portrait without taking focus from BuBu himself.  The fur in my coloured pencil drawings is built up using fine individual strokes, adding depth and enhancing realism. As expected, the most time-consuming part of BuBu’s portrait was carefully rendering the leaves across the background trees. With years of experience drawing Boxer dogs in coloured pencil, the process of capturing BuBu’s likeness came more naturally, but I found myself spending extra time refining the finer details to make the piece feel truly lifelike. Working on a larger 12" x 12" format allowed room for precision and gave space for a scenic background that beautifully framed BuBu’s gentle pose without pulling attention away from him. Below are a few in-progress images that offer a glimpse into how the portrait evolved during the drawing process. CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL
If you're looking for a unique gift or a way to commemorate a special occasion, I offer custom pet portraits of all dog breeds as well as other beloved pets. I ensure a realistic and heartfelt representation of your beloved pet. For more information, please visit the links below or get in touch through my Contact page or email me at: [email protected] to share your ideas. Update July 2025: At the moment, I’m unable to ship to the EU and Northern Ireland due to current GSPR regulations. You can find more information about this on my Terms & Service page. |
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