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)

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 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

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

Christmas pet portrait commission of Pit Bull Terrier dog

With my solo show just around the corner, I have been quite busy in the studio creating new works and neglecting to update my blogs and website...I will try to post paintings more often as I have many to share with you!!
So today, I thought I'd share a secret commission that I completed last year for a client. It was given as a Christmas present for their spouse.  The dog portrait was done using pastels on suede panel and it took many hours of layering to get the details just right. Isn't she a real sweetie??

"Duchess"

Pit Bull Terrier

pastel

11x14

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

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

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

Shetland Sheepdog Portrait in pastel...continued and not forgotten!

My gosh what a busy year! Seems I am now only starting to catch up with work in the studio and office.
Now that the weather has cooled I am forced to spend more time indoors which means I head to the studio as much as I can.

I've been extremely fortunate to have very patient clients waiting for me to complete this superb pose of their beloved dog!!  (Thank you SO MUCH for understanding). 

So here is a bit more on the portrait of "Oz"...

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)  ------------>>>>

Painting the smiley dog mouth...

I've completed the Malinois' nose and the rest of the cheeks and muzzle on this step. I've also begun defining the mouth and  adding the tongue and shadows along the jawline. Next I will complete fur of the ruff and collar and probably move on to complete the rest of the dog's mouth.

The actual painting is a bit darker than shown and the green background is more on the bluish side...

Commissioned painting of a dog in pastel

After completing a dog drawing commission, I am busy with this new painting of a handsome malinois.

Some of you might wonder how come I haven't started with the eyes?  I felt that I'd rather begin laying in the messy background first (from the top) then working my way down the ears.  I'll most likely tackle the eyes next only because I hate looking at a ghostly figure for too long. 

Garden flowers background for dog portrait

Here are two progression shots of the background work for this dog portrait. Having the dog sitting in front of this particular garden is very important to the client since both have great sentimental value. Huge Annabelle hydrangea bushes and giant Hosta lilies make up the vegetation in this particular garden plot and will contrast well against the black coat of this cherished companion.  

The composition below is actually the combination of two different photographs combined together.

Golden Retriever Portrait; commission painting in pastel





Portrait artists oftentimes have to make due with less than desirable photographs to work from when creating a painting.  This can lead to frustration or artists' refusal to work with such images.  I often have to work with such images and while I admit I've had my share of frustrations, it forces me to use my artistic judgement rather than solely rely on a photograph. Of course, I always take the client's feedback into consideration, as they sometimes guide me in the process, and as long as they are happy with the likeness of their pet, it was worth the effort on my part.

 

Here is the latest dog portrait just off my easel, and recently approved by the client.  It gives me great pleasure to be able to create a lasting memory that the owner can treasure and remember their beloved pet.

 

 

"Dixie"
Golden Retriever
Pastel
18" x 24"





reference image 4" x 6"



More and more fur!

I am starting to get lost in all that fluffy golden fur! It's easy to loose track of the fur pattern and so I keep adjusting until I feel satisfied with the look...but I have more work to do! I have to use some of my artistic judgment for this portrait because of the quality of the reference image.

 

For size comparison, you can see the pencils on the easel at the bottom of the portrait. 

 

Painting of Golden Retriever progress

I like how this portrait is finally coming along but I will have to leave it for a bit so I can come back and look at if with fresh eyes. I will probably go over the eyes again and rework the brow area. But before I do that, I will finish the fur on the side of his face and then work more of the longer neck and body fur.

 

Painting of Springer Spaniel Portrait (Therapy Dog)

The following is a painting that I completed a few months ago, but because it was to be a surprise, I could not share it publicly until the handler was presented with her gift. The Springer Spaniel featured on the portrait is named Rex and he quickly became known as the ambassador of Therapy Dogs in the Sudbury District.  After many years of service and logging thousands of volunteer hours comforting the sick, lonely and desolate, the community was saddened to hear of Rex's passing last spring. Rex will always be remembered as the heart and soul of Magical Paws.

 

 Magical Paws, is a non-profit organization providing the service of therapy dogs at no charge to nursing homes, retirement homes, group homes, and schools in the Sudbury District.

Therapy Dog Rex
8 x 10
pastel
 

Progress on Golden Retriever Portrait

I have been busy layering more fur this afternoon, and I re-visited the eyes as mentioned in my last post. There is so much more work to be done but at least, it is beginning to look more and more like the subject!

Update on Pet Portrait of Golden Retriever