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):

Commissioned Chihuahua dog portrait using pastels

When I was asked to create this portrait to commemorate Brembo the Mexican Chihuahua, it was easy to choose which photo I was to work from.  Although the eyes looked darker and the background was busy, everything else about the pose was simply just perfect!

You can see the progression of this portrait on my FB page Animal Artistry Portraits and I am hoping to create a video as well and post to my YouTube channel in the not too distant future.

 In the meantime, I have many personal projects I want to work on but have been getting a steady stream of clients so the paying work has to come first. I enjoy every bit of it and would not want to be doing anything other than painting and drawing except perhaps spending time playing in the gardens. Summer is so short, we have to take advantage of the warm sunny days when they occur.

Stay warm and don't forget to take some time to smell the roses!

 

 Brembo

Blonde Chihuahua

soft pastels

8x10

Commission (Sold)

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

Long haired cat portrait pastel painting commission

I really enjoy drawing or painting fur and this kitty's coat provided hours of enjoyment! This commissioned kept me on my toes...the short fur on the face and muzzle and the long clumps and strands of fluffy wavy fur, some of it going in every which direction, oh, and of course the coat color are what made this project so interesting. 

Another refreshing challenge was having to create a profile pose which is not something clients usually chose since they like to look into their fur-baby's eyes as they gaze back at the viewer. 

The following pose is the third in a series of commissioned portrait by the same client. If you want to view the other portraits of  "Two Face", the tortoiseshell cat, simply jump to the posts here: 

https://petportraitsbycolette.blogspot.ca/2018/02/tortoiseshell-cat-pet-portrait-pastel.html

and

https://petportraitsbycolette.blogspot.ca/2018/02/tortoiseshell-cat-custom-pet-portrait.html

 

"Two Face"

Tortoiseshell cat portrait

pastels

8"x8"

SOLD

Bichon Frise dog portrait (painting) commission

As I was working on this portrait my heart started melting as soon as I was done drawing this dog's expressive eyes. What a darling little face!! I'm so lucky to have the best job in the world!!

It is always my goal to achieve the most accurate likeness and expression of each and every commissioned portrait I create. I'm very happy to say that the clients were "over the moon" when they saw the final piece... despite the fact it also brought tears to their eyes. I was told that Scooby had recently passed on the the rainbow bridge.  I understand fully how loosing a beloved pet is hard to take, loosing my faithful gal only a year ago today. But time heals the wounds and we learn to move on...forever left with their paws on our heart!

Here are a few more steps showing the progress of the soft pastel portrait, with the final image at the bottom.

"Scooby"

Bichon Frisé

8"x10"

soft pastels

commission

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)

Tortoiseshell Cat Pet Portrait Pastel Painting Commission

When I was contacted to commission this cat's portrait, I was sent several photographs and asked to choose the best ones. I then created two mock ups so the client could decided on a pose. They loved the two poses so much and so decided to get both done! 

This is the second commissioned artwork featuring the gorgeous "Two Face". You can see her full body pose here in a previous post.


For this piece, I used mainly soft pastel pencils along with a bit of NuPastels (mostly the black as it is one of the deepest blacks that I can find in a pastel). I did  a lot of layering and fine detailing but it was well worth the effort in the end as I am very pleased with the results.  I love this pose so much that it will be featured on my next business cards. 

I am told that Two Face has a rebellious side.. like a naughty teenager! She's quite the colorful character, both in physical appearance and in spirit! Here she is:

'Two Face"

Long haired tortoiseshell cat

Pastel

8"x10" 

Sold

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

Commissioned Cat drawing in progress

I'm really thrilled at the opportunity to draw not only one but two customs portraits of this delightful long haired tortoiseshell cat!
I love to share my works in progress and I always get good feedback from them by followers and subscribers.
In this stage of the pastel portrait, I'm adding the fur on the side of the face and I find it much easier to rotate the panel to achieve nice flowing strokes. I also rotate my reference photo so that it is easier for my brain to better see the direction of the fur as I am working. I prefer to use an iPad as I can easily zoom in and out and move the screen around my work area.
You can see much of my daily postings on my Animal Artistry FB page  and more work on my website www.colettetheriault.com

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

Tortoiseshell Cat Custom Pet Portrait in pastels

This long haired cat has a beautiful tortoiseshell coat which was very fun to draw. Aptly named "Two-Face", it's easy to see why.
This is one of two portraits I am creating for a client. 

 

"Two Face" 

Long-haired tortoiseshell cat

11x14

pastels

Sold

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

Akita dog portrait using pastels

I'm having so much fun painting this commission of an Akita frolicking in the snow! After I completed most of the facial features, I added the snow background/foreground before I can finish up the fur around the outline of the dog.

I hope you enjoy watching the progress of my pet portraits...

Custom portrait of sheltie/border collie mix painting using pastels

When I was approached to paint this portrait of Kara, I was astonished to see the long fur on her very erect ears. I was thrilled at the chance to draw a dog with such a charming appearance and wonderful colors. She will truly be missed by her loving family and I am honored to have been chosen to create such a touching lasting memory of a dear loyal companion.

Kara

Shetland Sheepdog/Border Collie mix

8x10

pastel

COMMISSION

Painting of Chocolate and Yellow Labrador Retriever portrait

Some months, time goes buy so fast that I barely remember the days. I work on many different projects simultaneously and so it can be easy to loose track of the world around me.

Anyways, I home to find more time to post more updates to this blog. Here is a commissioned piece that was presented to a happy Dad on Father's Day.  I am told that he feels like the dogs keep looking at him no matter where he moves to in the room and he is quite elated by that! It's like his dogs are again by his side, keeping him company.

 

Apollo & Cassey

11x14

pastel

COMMISSION

Quarter (Barrel) Horse Pencil Drawing Portrait Commission

Horses have been a favorite animal of mine since early childhood so it comes as no surprise that I embrace every opportunity I have to paint or draw them!

I was asked to draw this beautiful horse's portrait as a memorial tribute for a friend. I used mainly 8B and F pencils along with my tortillions, chamois and Q-tips for delicate blending.

The original photo included a busy background and the horse was wearing a halter but it was decided to leave those out of the drawing to focus on the subject.

"Darby"

11x14

graphite pencils

COMMISSION

View the work in progress below: 

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

Time-lapse Video of a Pastel Painting of Fisherman on the Spanish River, Ontario

Most of my commissions represent great sentimental value to my clients/recipients and this one is no exception. The gentleman portrayed in the scene is unfortunately no longer with us and the family wanted something to remember him by that would bring back fond memories.

The scene is located on the Spanish River at a favorite fishing spot in front of the family cottage on a calm but sunny and warm day.  I can't think of a better portrait to commemorate this particular individual.


For more videos of my paintings and drawings in progress, visit my youtube channel at:

Colette Theriault youtube channel

"Fishing the Spanish"

COMMISSION

11x14

pastel

The "ART" of Meditation and Relaxation

I am finally back in the studio after a slight hiatus! It feels great to be able to sit at the easel and lose myself in total relaxation as I listen to music and simply paint. Relax you might say?? Some of you might find it hard to believe that creating art can become a form of meditation. It has for me.
As my mind becomes focused I am forced to concentrate on the task at hand, hence the mental distractions disappear.  Of course, frustration can negatively impact this state of bliss so I try to keep that at a minimum by staying calm and simply believing in myself.♥

Below is a detail snap shot of a new work in progress. I hope you will enjoy the transformation of a blank piece of paper into a special work of art.
 

 P.S. You can follow the progression of this dog painting from start to finish by subscribing to my Facebook page "Animal Artistry of Colette Theriault".   Simply "Like" my page and future posts should end up automatically in your  news feed... OR... you can "Follow by Email" (Both the Facebook and Follow by Email links are located on right hand side of this blog post)  ------------>>>>