Photograph of a black and tan long haired daschund with paws on the sofa and a bit of yoghurt on his nose

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

THE COMPLETED PORTRAIT

Male Black long haired daschund dog Pet portrait in Coloured pencils by UK artist Karen M Berisford

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.

Drawing the fur using coloured pencils of a Male Black long haired daschund dog Pet portrait

Showing the coloured pencil process of a long haired daschund Pencil portrait

Drawing the mouth on a coloured pencil pet portrait of a Male Black long haired daschund

Creating the black fur on a coloured pencil pet portrait of a daschund dog Pet portrait

Up close of a coloured pencil pet portrait depicting a Male Black long haired daschund dog

Close up of fine detail of a long haired daschund Pet portrait in Coloured pencils

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:

A bronze frame with brown double mount of a Coloured pencil portrait of a long haired daschund

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

The commissionee's 2 daschunds in their bed below the coloured pencil portrait of Zeke, a long haired daschund Pet portrait in Coloured pencils

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

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