Realistic Registered German Shepherd Dog (Nickel Basin Kennels) Pet Portrait Pastel Painting

I haven't been updating my art blog for a while so figured during this slowed economic/covid pandemic period would be good time to resume.
This German Sepherd portrait was started a while back and took many tedious hours to complete. The multiple layering of fur texture, color and "ticking" was a long process and I had to use over a dozen different hues to create Gala's lucious coat.
Gala is a breeding bitch owned by Nickel Basin Registered Kennels and has recently had a litter of beautiful pups. I love her registered name "Lady Gaga Topolovnicka", which suits her well.

I decided to show the work in progress stages of this painting below the main pose. I hope you enjoy seeing the process. 

You can also follow my work on my FB page at https://www.facebook.com/AnimalArtistryPortraits/
 

Lady Gaga Topolovnicka aka "Gala"

11"x14"

soft pastels on archival suede panel

Private Commission

Progression of the german shepherd dog painting (work in progress):

Dalmatian custom pet portrait commission (pastel painting)

I was asked to create a memorial portrait of my client's beloved Dexter as a special present for their. daughter.  I am told she had a special bond with him and they would love to surprise her with a professional portrait of him. Dexter had a goofy and lovable personality which prompted the family to get a second Dalmatian; both are very special!

Sometimes, when a dog has passed on, it can be a challenge to find good quality photos to work from. As professional artists, it is our job to render our subjects as accurately as possible so on occasion, we must use additional reference images to guide us with the details. In this instance, the photo that was to be used for the pose was not very good for several reasons. Firstly, the dog was photographed using a flash which leads to the white fur being over exposed and also resulting in glowing eyes. Important detail is lost and the subject looks flat because of lack of shadows. The second issue with the reference photo is that it is not in focus, so again, important detail is lost. Lastly, the photo was taken too far away so one has to crop the image to show only the head/shoulders which increases digital pixelation and further reducing detail. I really prefer suitable photos as it makes my job so much easier but alas, not all is lost, and here's the proof!

The client is very happy with the results of their portrait!

"Dexter"

Dalmatian Portrait

8"x10"

Soft Pastels

Commission (sold)

French bulldog (Frenchie) custom pet portrait from photo

I have been working on this dog portrait for a fair bit now and I will soon be adding the backdrop once the feet are done. I love using soft pastels on this velour panel because I can achieve the softness of the fur quite nicely. I hope you will keep on following to see how this little fella turned out!

More work on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AnimalArtistryPortraits/ and website www.colettetheriault.com

Golden Retriever pet portrait pastel painting commission

I was asked to create this portrait of a handsome golden retriever named Chester for Father's Day.  I had an older photo of the dog in his younger years, laying on the grass and so the client chose to use that one (along with a few modifications to the chest) for the pose. As the dog aged, his colors intensified and so that too was adjusted on the portrait (the chest was white and his face quite pale) with redder tones.
It was such a joy to render this happy rendition of a most cherished family pet. What a beautiful memory to h ave Chester smiling back at you with his gentle eyes.

For more examples of my work, to order your very own pet portrait or to follow my artistic journey, hop on to my website or FB page.
www.colettetheriault.com    and   https://www.facebook.com/AnimalArtistryPortraits/

"Chester"

8"x10"

pastel painting

Commission

Bichon Frise pet portrait progress on the easel

Been busy in the studio working on this dog painting commission of an adorable little Bichon Frise. I thought I'd share some of the work in progress pictures I took with my phone so you can see some of the steps involved. I lightly draw a pencil sketch then I always start with the eyes...yes, the eyes are the windows to the soul and I feel I need to get those just right before I can continue with the rest of the portrait. Sometimes, I go back and tweak a little but there is nothing usually major unless the client points something out.
That is another reason I take progress shots of my work and send to the client. It gives the opportunity to provide feedback and if necessary, little touch ups here and there.
I want every client to be totally in love with their portrait so it is important it is to their liking.
Keep watching to see the rest of the portrait as it progresses to the grand finale in my next post!

Manx short haired tabby cat pet portrait painting

I was asked to create a portrait of this handsome kitty and was so very thrilled when I saw this striking pose. Head held high, eyes full of life, what is not to love about this cat portrait?

Max is a short haired manx (tailess) cat with lovely tabby markings and a white chest. His glowing green eyes are the center of attention and were my favorite part to draw.

I used mostly pastel pencils to create this painting...a touch of NuPastels only for the darkest blacks and whitest whites.

His owner was very pleased at the results of his portrait and I'm hoping Max will like it too. You can follow the progress of my works on a daily basis on my Facebook Animal Artistry page

 

Portrait of "Max" 

5x7

pastel

commission (sold)

Yellow Labrador mix pet portrait pastel painting

Sometimes it is not possible to acquire that perfect pet photo reference that is so important in creating a suitable portrait. Most often it is because the pet has passed and finding good photographs can be almost impossible. However, I can generally use several not-so-good poses to come up with a nice composition that the client will be pleased with. Such was the situation when creating the portrait of lovely "Maggie", the beloved family pet of my client's friend.

In this pose, I had to use the head shot of a different image and "magically" transfer it to the body pose of another photo. It is not always easy because one needs to take into consideration angles, lighting, color and of course, proportions.  Maggie was a well fed pooch and so I strived to capture her true (full) silhouette...

This dog is yellow Labrador most likely mixed with German shepherd.  I wonder what breed she got her white feet from?

Pet Portrait of "Maggie"

14"x18"

pastel

 commission

Work in Progress of Tortoiseshell Cat Portrait

A LOT of detailing work goes into each of my portraits. I always tell my clients that the better the reference image, the easier it is for me to reproduce a realistic looking portrait of their pet. However, finding good photos is not always possible and so in those instances I can work with several not-so-good photos and along with client feedback, I have always been able to achieve a pleasing and realistic portrait of their pet. 

Keep in mind however that clear, close up shots taken in natural light make the best reference images. For more information on how to choose or take your pet's photo for a portrait, you can read the following useful article I wrote: Tips for Taking Quality Photographs .

Stay tuned to watch the final progression of this cat pastel portrait in my future post.

 Thanks so very much for following!

Soft pastel cat drawing demonstration tip

As I am working on this pet portrait commission using soft pastels, it is quite normal to get an accumulation of loose dust particles. An easy way to rid of the dust is to gently tap the board on the surface of the work table but using a soft bristle brush removes the stubborn particles trapped in the nap of the velour.

Be careful not to go over the drawn in sections with the brush as it can mute the colors and some detail can be lost.

I have created several videos that show the work in progress of some of my cat, dog and horse portraits. You can view these on my YouTube channel

You can also get updates by following my Animal Artistry FB page

Pet Portrait of German Shepherd Police k-9 dog

Last year I was commissioned to draw this commemorative portrait of a retired police GSD. Sadly, I was told that Marco had passed away peacefully in his sleep. His handler wanted something special to remember his partner so we came up with this wonderful composition using several different reference images.

Rest in peace K-9 Marco and thank you for your service in protecting our communities and making them safer.

You can view more work on my website www.colettetheriault.com and follow me on FB

 

Police K-9 Marco

14"x18"

pencil drawing

Sold

Bengal cat painting in progress video

Here is a short video I created that demonstrates the process of creating a charming cat portrait. I am using soft pastel pencils and Nupastels on velvety suede panel. Enjoy and thanks for watching!

Pet portraits in pencil of dogs

Black and white pencil portraits are usually created using either graphite or charcoal. Sometimes, I use both types of pencils to render a drawing, in order to achieve the deepest of blacks. Since traditional pencil drawings do not involve using any white pencil, the white marks or areas are actually the white of the paper showing through.
These sweet pooches were commissioned as a Christmas gift for my client's spouse. Sadly, Joe has passed but I was fortunate to meet miss Bree when the client received their portraits.

 

 "Joe"

English Setter

pencil drawing

5x7

commission

 

 

"Bree"

German Shepherd

pencil drawing

5x7

commission

Dog pet portrait commission from photo

I was commissioned to paint a portrait of a beautiful dog named "Jimi", whom sadly passed away of cancer at the tender age of 12.  The portrait was to be given to the client's spouse as a Christmas gift to commemorate the life of their cherished pet.

There are countless poses to choose from when creating a portrait and the client in this case chose a traditional head/shoulder pose where Jimi stands so handsome and proud !

Jimi

dog portrait

pastel

11x14

Commission

Shetland Sheepdog charcoal pencil drawing (pet portrait)

I have been fortunate for all the request I have received for portraits since I began taking commissions well over 15 years ago.  In that time span, I have learned much, and there is always something new to learn or adjust to. Social media is one of them and is a double edged sword as it can bring great rewards but is also very time consuming.  Still, one should not overlook the possibilities and never take things for granted as you just never know what can come out of it!!

This portrait was commissioned from a repeat client. I am very honored and flattered at each and every request and this one is no exception. He was a charm to draw! 

"Jasper"

Sheltie

5"x7"

pencil

COMMISSION

Akita Painting using pastels (Pet Portrait Commission)

I was asked to paint this portrait of a gorgeous Japanese Akita for a client. There were several photos to chose from and it was decided that this one of the dog in the snow was most pleasing and fitting since the pet's name was "Snow"!
I am available for commissions of any pet you may have or have had, fury, feathery, scaly, or even slimy! Being a nature artist and biologist, painting animals, pets and wildlife is like Second Nature!

"Snow"

Akita

Pastel

9"x12"

COMMISSION

Dog Portrait of Shih Tzu and Terrier mix

Pets mean so much to us that they have taken the role of our "furry children" as some people call them. The loyal companionship and unconditional love are probably the main reasons why we keep pets. So, it is no wonder that we want to cherish them forever, and what better way to honor them than with a custom portrait?

I am always thankful when it is possible to meet my subjects in real life as I can instantly get a sense of their true character...something that I always strive to capture on a portrait, along with the obviously important true likeness of course! So, when I was asked to help with photographing these two "fur sisters", I was thrilled at the chance to meet them. As I explained to the client, it is not necessary to capture the two pets on the same photo...that is something that the artist has the ability and freedom to do when they paint or draw their portrait!

Since it is not always possible for me to photograph your pet, I obviously must rely on the client to provide me with photos of them. I am always available to help you choose the right photos for your pet and create one or several "mock up" images to help you decide on the right pose, FREE of charge.  And if you don't have that "perfect" photo of your pet, no worries as I can use my artistic license along with your verbal or written description to create a likeness that you will love!

Chloe and Kacey

11x14

pastel

Commission

Weimaraner portrait drawing using graphite, charcoal and colored pencils

I love creating all sorts of portrait poses for my clients!  The following dog drawing was composed using two of the client's photos which features a puppy shot as the main pose and a smaller vignette of the same dog as an adult, portraying one of Addie's favorite pastime. 

For this drawing, I used mainly graphite pencils along with a touch of colored pencils on the main pose. I felt we really had to capture the Weimaraner's impressive pale blue eyes and the unusual brown nose and tones in her shinny fur. In addition, the mauve and green colours of the collar seems to liven up the whole composition.

I really like how the shimmering silver grey tones of  Addy's coat turned out...coupled with that adorably sweet expression, it definitely has become one of my favorite commissions to have had the opportunity to draw!!

So, if you happen to know anyone who might be interested in having a portrait of their furry, scaly or feathery companion, I'd be forever grateful if you could share my website www.colettetheriault.com with them! ♥

"Addie"

Silver Gray Weimaraner 

11"x14"

enhanced graphite drawing

COMMISSION

Painting in Pastel: A Golden Retriever Portrait Commission

I was asked to paint a portrait of this charming Golden Retriever to be presented as a birthday/graduation gift.  The pose below is actually a composite created from two of the client's photographs (the dog was in the snow).  It can be tricky to compose a portrait in this manner as the artist has to consider lighting, angles, and proportions and ensure these are accurately rendered. 

To view more detail, click the image to enlarge.

"Cooper"

8x10

pastel

Commission

Pastel Painting of Shetland Sheepdog Portrait Commission

What's not to love about Shelties? Although their long and luscious coat can be rather challenging to render, they are one of my favorite dog breeds to paint.

This portrait unfortunately had to sit on the back burner for longer than I would have liked but it is now finally completed and has been approved by the very patient owners! This Sheltie will be heading home very shortly :)

Pet Portrait of "Ozz"

pastel

11"x14"

commission

Painting Progress of a Shetland Sheepdog Portrait

My favorite part of a portrait is when the face begins to pop off the page...and this little champ definitely has the cuteness factor to boot!


Shelties have a gorgeous coat with beautiful color and markings but rendering realistic fur can be a challenge. Here, I've added many layers of pastel to achieve the color, texture and depth of the dog's luscious coat.

I am now convinced that this dog painting is progressing to the point that I am starting to see the light! LOL