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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, and a young girl named Lois riding her grey horse Vinnie. 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. Acrylic Painting of a Young Girl and her HorseGifted by Joan to her great-grand-daughter Lois This acrylic portrait was commissioned by my lovely neighbour, Joan, as a thoughtful gift for her great-granddaughter, Lois, who is 13 years old.  This image illustrates the chosen frame and painting, presented in a simulated display using the ArtStage app. This portrait was created from a physical photograph, 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. 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.  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.
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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.
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] The creation process of my acrylic pet paintingsI'd like to share the process involved in creating my acrylic paintings. Even when I have several dog portraits on the easel, my method remains consistent, however, I may choose to enhance the artwork by incorporating different mediums or adding specialist colours. Here are two of my latest dog portraits: one features a Springer Spaniel swimming, and the other, a young female white Boxer. Springer Spaniel - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 11" x 14"Creating an acrylic portrait involves significant transformations of the artwork. I make it a point to photograph the painting at various stages. Observing the evolution of the painting is not only intriguing but also serves as a valuable tool to demonstrate its progression to others. In this segment, I will detail the process behind the creation of a painting featuring our Springer Spaniel, Casper. This piece is one of a quartet, each illustrating our dogs in water, which will be displayed together upon completion. 
Laying the Groundwork: Tonal Foundations and ContrastIn all my artwork, I begin with the foundational layers, starting by establishing tones and introducing contrasts. Initially, it may appear quite chaotic, but this process is essential for building upon these initial layers. This stage is critical for establishing tonal values and focusing on the different elements that make up the subject. 
Refining the Subject: Enhancing Form and PrecisionAt this current stage, the detail is somewhat lacking in precision, however, it could potentially be perceived as a more exaggerated interpretation of a subject. As an artist who relishes a challenge, I then move forward to further refine the painting in order to render the main subject with a greater sense of realism, ameliorating both the finer details and overall appearance. 
Balancing Realism and Interpretation in Photo-Based WorkMy paintings maintain a realistic quality whether viewed from afar or up close. However, not all of my works require the same level of precision; at times, a more relaxed interpretation yields a better result. Working from photographs often means dealing with images that aren't high-resolution and may lack essential details. This propels me into the exciting challenge of finding a balance between realism and artistic interpretation. 
Achieving the correct contrast can give a painting a three-dimensional appearance, even when viewed from a flat angle.
Now, let's explore the creation of another acrylic painting, featuring a charming little white Boxer puppy named Sprout. White Boxer Pup - Acrylic Painting on Ampersand Gessobord - Size: 8" x 8"At 8" x 8", this small painting is perfect for an intimate depiction of a nine-month-old Boxer puppy named Sprout. Recently welcomed into her new home with four other Boxer dogs, Sprout, like many puppies, dozed off in an unusual spot, snug in the bend of a friend's arm, with her little head resting in their hand. Choosing to craft a monochromatic portrait against a stark black backdrop guarantees that the attention is solely on the subject. 
Establishing Fur Flow and Tonal StructureDuring this preliminary phase, I carefully incorporate the fur details in a general manner to illustrate the flow and texture of the fur. Furthermore, I tentatively arrange the highlights and shadows, laying the groundwork for the meticulous addition of more intricate details in the next phase. 
Layering Detail with Precision BrushworkHere, the two stages are evident: the first with a thicker application, followed by a second with a finer touch. Each hair is individually painted using an ultra-fine brush, with a rigger brush being the perfect tool for such detailed work. To achieve a natural flow in the application of each hair, I rotate the canvas board as needed, even working upside down at times. 
Refining Contours and Preparing for Final VarnishHere, the fineness of the fur is evident. Although the painting is incomplete, the meticulous addition of each hair strand showcases the intricate contours of the Boxer dog's mouth and nose region. The concluding phase involves meticulously detailing the hand, and upon completion, the painting will be sealed with two layers of varnish for maximum preservation.
Thank you for exploring my article on how I create my acrylic paintings. Should you wish to commission a custom portrait, you can click any of the links below to visit the pages of interest. There, you can peruse my previous works, learn about the commissioning process, and either request a quote or book directly using the form. Alternatively, you can contact me direct at: [email protected]
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