Mackerel Tabby Cat in Coloured Pencils

Taz - Mackerel Cat

The Commissionee booked this portrait and another portrait at the same time as gifts for her son and daughter for Christmas. Although both portraits were booked as 8" x 10" sizes, I suggested a 7" x 11" size would work better. This photo of Taz was slightly out of focus and the colouration a little un-natural but the Commissionee was able to send a few more photos of Taz in natural lighting so I could get details frrom those. It is a lovely pose of Taz and I knew this would be the ideal reference for the portrait. I was able to work within a time frame to ensure there was ample time to get them framed before the big day.

MEDIUM: Coloured Pencils
SIZE: 7" X 11"
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

As Mackerel tabby cats have very short fur around the face, I began the portrait by creating directional fur so I did not lose the shape and direction as I added more layers. On the body, the darkest shades were added first followed by the lighter tones in between, this helped to create a platform of which to build further tones and layers into.

There is around 4 layers applied to create the varied tonal fur on the body and the facial fur is very carefully built up with tiny, individual applications of fur lines to keep all the perspectives in check. The very last detail I add to any animal portrait is the whiskers which were created with white Acrylic paint.

The Completed Portraits together

Both portraits were created in a shorter time frame than usual due to framing timescales and this was accomplished 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 Benny the Cocker Spaniel's portrait came together, you can click on his reference photo, bottom right.