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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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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. I’ve recently completed a commissioned portrait of Dougal, a Red Fox Labrador, and I’m delighted with the result. Pet portraits are the cornerstone of my work, and this particular piece was commissioned by a returning client who wanted to give a thoughtful birthday gift to a family member. As with every commission, I approached Dougal’s portrait with care and attention to detail, working to reflect not only his physical markings but the personality that shines through them. It’s always a privilege to be entrusted with such a task, knowing how much these portraits mean to the families who request them.  The primary reference photograph provided had a strong composition, with Dougal looking every inch the proud Labrador, but it lacked natural colour and detail. Fortunately, the client supplied additional photographs, which proved invaluable for teasing out the finer details, such as the warmth in Dougal’s eyes and the rich, russet hues of his coat. I chose to omit the leash from the final portrait, as it distracted from his presence and added little to the overall effect. Living in Northumberland, Labradors are a common sight, and as the owner of two myself, I regularly see Red Fox Labradors while walking my dogs. Their distinctive reddish coats are a hallmark of the breed, and this familiarity helped me ensure Dougal’s portrait was authentic. The original photograph’s unnatural hue required careful adjustment to reflect the true vibrancy of his colouring. To ensure accuracy, I supplemented this with online research, studying images of other Red Fox Labradors to capture the breed’s unique characteristics.  For me, a pet portrait is never just a copy of a photograph, it’s a study in character. Capturing the essence of a Labrador means honouring that quiet loyalty, gentle warmth, and the subtle expressions that make them such cherished companions. This particular commission was a genuine pleasure to undertake, from the initial reference selection to the final pencil strokes. I aimed to reflect not only the physical likeness but the personality so well known and loved by the family and I hope the portrait brings joy to the recipient for many years to come. Not long after delivery, I received this thoughtful testimonial from the client:
Accompanying the testimonial is Dougal’s portrait, expertly framed by a local artisan in a style that matches the earlier portraits of Seamus and Rua, Dougal’s sister. While I do not provide framing as part of my pencil portrait service due to the potential risk of damage during transit, it is always gratifying to see the finished artwork beautifully presented and ready to be cherished in its new home. It’s always lovely to receive feedback from clients. Every commission is created with care, and it’s impossible not to become attached to the pet you're portraying. You know you’ll likely never meet them in person, yet after hours spent studying their features, every tiny marking and (im)perfection, you could pick them out in a crowd.  The photograph above shows all three Labrador portraits I created for Mike and his family. The top two feature Rua and Seamus, completed last year as a birthday gift for Mike’s father. Although each was drawn independently from individual reference images, it’s rewarding to see them displayed together as a complete trio. If you're interested in commissioning a pet portrait, the image links below will take you to the relevant pages. Each section offers a different route, whether you're browsing more of my work, exploring portrait options, or wish to request a quote or make a booking, or get in touch direct. Creating Realistic Pet Portraits: Dougal A Red Fox Labrador in Coloured Pencils - Private Commission4/3/2022 The latest commission on the easel is this stunning Red Fox Labrador called Dougal. For this 10" x 12" drawing of Dougal, I am using the lightfast coloured pencils, Caran d'Ache Luminance on Strathmore Bristol Vellum paper.  I create my drawings using a layering process, which help to create the depth and realism that can be seen in all my work. This process starts from the lighter tones and builds up to heavy and bold applications. The realism is created at the end, when I use both light and dark tones to manipulate the layers and create the final pieces you see within the pages of my website.  Creating a drawing like this can take many hours and to ensure I stay fully focused on each piece, I work on other drawings and paintings in between sessions. The length of time it takes to create a portrait depends entirely on the complexity of the composition, but a 4 - 6 week timescale is normal, unless a specific timeframe is requested.  This is the current stage of Dougal's portrait. There is still much to do on the colouration, but you can see how soft his fur now looks from the first post above, after numerous layers have been applied. You can view Dougal's progress page HERE. I also completed a portrait of a Red Fox Labrador last year. This is Rua, who is Dougal's sister. You can view her portrait HERE. Interested in commissioning a portrait? Browse the galleries below for details and examples of my work, or request a no-obligation quote. You can also get in touch direct through my Contact page. HEXHAM HOUSE Hexham, Northumberland, UK Portrait size: 8" x 10" Completed 29th October 2020 8th October 2020 " Hi Karen It’s our daughter’s first wedding anniversary on 2 November, and as that’s paper, I was thinking of finding them a small sketch of the venue where they married - Hexham House ( in Hexham ) Is this something you would undertake & could it be done in the time we have available? "  The commissioned coloured pencil portrait of Hexham House in Northumberland was undertaken for a returning client, Julia. She had previously arranged for a portrait of her beautiful black Labrador, Dusky, 2 months prior. The reference image was provided by Julia through email, containing several photos she had taken on the wedding day. This eliminates potential copyright violations from using online photographs, which are the sole property of the respective photographers and require explicit permission for usage. From the array of provided photos, Julia selected a composition that she deemed the most suitable from the mock-ups I had created.  It is a rare occurrence to receive requests for architecture portraits, which is regrettable as I find enjoyment in producing such intricate and detailed artwork. This departure from the ordinary is a source of great satisfaction and provides me with an opportunity to engage with the technical aspects of the subject and uncover its historical significance of such buildings. The most recent undertaking of this nature dates back to 2013, when I portrayed Wynyard Hall in Stockton-on-Tees,UK.  When a completion date is requested, I always make every effort to work within the specified timeframe. Certain projects, such as a large and intricate 16 x 20 inch painting, may not be feasible to complete within a week, despite having been requested. Conversely, a small portrait is more manageable within a short span of time. For example, in this case, I began the project on the 12th, finalised it on the 29th of October, and subsequently dispatched to the customer on the following day via Royal Mail special delivery.  " It looks great Karen, Thanks for all your hard work "  If you're interested in learning more about my bespoke portraits, or if you're considering commissioning a specific portrait, please visit my Commissions page for more information. Additionally, feel free to contact me direct with your ideas. I was recently commissioned to create a stunning coloured pencil drawing of an English Bulldog for a client. This client, Carol, had previously asked me to create two beautiful portraits of her beloved pets: a red English Bulldog named Buster and a white English Bulldog named Reggie. Now, she has another adorable Bulldog named Rufus, and she wanted a third portrait to join the collection, creating a lovely trio of coloured pencil portraits to display in her home.  Prior to working on the portraits of Buster and Reggie, I had not had the opportunity to create a pet portrait of an English Bulldog. Their unique character is truly remarkable, with the distinctive wrinkles and folds in their faces that are somewhat reminiscent of those of the Boxer dog. Having completed over 40 portraits of the Boxer dog breed, I have always thoroughly enjoyed the creative process for each one. My extensive experience in creating Boxer dog portraits, coupled with the excellent reference photograph provided, greatly simplified the process.  The realism of my coloured pencil portraits is greatly influenced by the quality of the photographs provided. High-resolution images enable me to capture even the minutest details by zooming in. Working from subjects photographed in natural light is significantly easier, as it eliminates the need to interpret details lost to overexposure or distortion from artificial lighting conditions. The precision of my pencil work will reveal the areas in the photograph that may lack essential detail, which can lead to a less refined portrait. With more than 35 years of experience in working with coloured pencils, I gravitate towards high realism because I relish the challenge it presents.  If you're considering commissioning a custom pet portrait of your English Bulldog or another breed, I will provide useful links for you to learn more about the process before contacting me. You're welcome to reach out directly as your initial inquiry, but if you're just looking to gather information before deciding, feel free to explore my pencil gallery and/or pet portraits gallery to view the range of portraits I've crafted over the years. In addition to Coloured Pencils, I also work with Acrylics and Oil Pastels, each providing unique finishes. You can visit each gallery by clicking on the provided links below. |
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