Reference photograph

Zekie - Black Dachshund pet portrait

​The Commissionee had very recently lost Zekie and asked me to produce a pencil portrait of him. It is always an honour to be asked to create a Pet portrait, especially one that means so much to someone and she did so love this little man.
There were many photos of Zekie and I thought this would be a good choice as he was looking at his Mum at the time and my intention was always to reconnect them by placing a silhouette of her in Zekie's eyes, the windows to the soul.
For this portrait that appeared much taller than wide, I recommended an irregular size of 11" x 14" to ensure a full body portrait would fit comfortably.

MEDIUM: Coloured Pencils
SIZE: 11" X 14"
SUPPORT: 220gsm Blue-grey Ursus
COMPLETED: OCTOBER 2014

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THE COMPLETED PORTRAIT

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CREATING THE PORTRAIT:

There was very little need for changes on this portrait although there was a blue cast on his fur that needed neutralising and lots of light in his eyes, which I also opted to adapt by placing the silhouette of his Mum in them.  Using photographs of Zekie that had been taken outdoors, I was able to create a more natural colouration and chose to place a neutral colour on the sofa cover that his feet were placed on to avoid distraction.

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RECEIPT OF THE PORTRAIT:

Here is a comment the commissionee made upon seeing the finished portrait via my Facebook 'Artworld' page....

Oh Karen...you've made my day... My Zekie Boy looks amazing. You've captured him perfectly!...I love the little wispy hairs on his precious little head... Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself to create Zekie's Masterpiece xx

Zekie took his journey all the way to the USA  and here is the feedback from his Mum upon seeing it in the flesh for the first time....

Oh Karen.... I am in tears... You have captured My Boy perfectly. You have done him proud. I am forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank youxx I am truly overcome with emotion xx

FRAMED PORTRAIT:

Fully framed with non reflective, UV filter glass included to ensure further longevity

Placed above the spot where he used to sleep with his brother Samson, and the new girl Miss Molly.

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Click the image to view progress of Samson

The first Commission:

This was a second portrait that I was asked to undertake by the same Commissionee of her beautiful Dachshund Samson. This was also completed in Coloured pencils.

Please click on the image if you wish to view the progress of this portrait.

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