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

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

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)  ------------>>>>

Calico Tabby cat portrait commission: a painting in pastel

I am delighted to be able to share a portrait of this lovely cat! I could not post before because it was to be given as a birthday/Christmas gift to the recipient. I will be adding work in progress shots of this piece when I have more time.

"Bauer"

5"x7"

original pastel painting

Commission

View more of my work at www.colettetheriault.com

Malinois portrait painting progress...layering of fur!

For this dog portrait, there is much layering of the pastel to get the fur just right! It is essential for the color, length and direction of the fur to be accurate in order to render a realistic portrait.

You will notice that the dark facial mask characteristic of the malinois breed has faded due to the appearance of grey/white flecking that naturally comes with aging.

To view more of my work, visit www.colettetheriault.com

Black Labrador Pencil Drawing Pet Portrait Commission

This dog portrait is now ready to be sprayed with fixative to prevent smudging of the graphite until it gets framed under glass. It is to be given as a father's day gift so I knew I had to complete the drawing very soon so that the client has enough time to get it framed.

Please contact me if you wish to have your pet immortalized as a custom painting or drawing!  I also offer GIFT CERTIFICATES that are perfect for any special occasion for that hard to buy loved one in your life.

"Trigger" Black Labrador
graphite pencil
5" x 7"
COMMISSION

The start of a new commissioned pencil drawing

Switching from pastels, I am now working with graphite/charcoal pencils to render this detailed portrait of a black Labrador dog for a client. I will be posting more work in progress images of this dog drawing so do come back and visit!

Oh, and I have not forgotten to post the six cat pastel portrait...I have to wait until the recipient opens their gift so as to not spoil the surprise!

To view more detail on the drawing, click on each image for a larger view.

Flat Coated Retriever Dog Portrait Painting in Pastel

Words truly cannot express the feelings I experience when the client unwraps their portrait and I get to see their reaction as they finally view it in person for the first time. I often find it overwhelming actually, that through my artistic creations I am able to evoke intense mixed reactions of comfort, joy, sadness and perhaps even closure for the owners as they remember their cherished pet. This, in addition to the heartfelt comments I receive, indicate to me that I indeed succeeded in portraying the animal's true character and likeness... just reward for my efforts.

"Galoche"
pastel on suede
11"x14"
Commissioned Portrait

The start of painting the dog face

With the background complete, I now am excited to finally start painting fur! Until all the main features of the face are added, I find that a portrait always looks ghostly at this stage. You'll see once I add the mouth, this dog's expression will undoubtedly change.

Stay tuned folks! I'm working hard at finishing this in the next few days even though I am teaching a 2-day workshop booked for this weekend.  I hope to be able to pull it off!

W

Dog Portrait Commission from photo

I will be working this special commission in between others to reach deadlines. Can anybody guess the breed?

I am using pastels on archival suede which is one of my favorite supports, and the portrait measures 11x14. I hope you will follow me and that you will enjoy watching this piece progress!

Update on Golden Retriever Portait

After completing the right side of the dog's cheek, I began adding more of the long neck and chest fur. I also added the dog's whiskers and redefined the fringe fur along the muzzle/mouth. I enlarged the dog's left eye slightly  so I hope I don't feel tempted to retouch it.

 

The color on this photo is a bit off, showing more reddish tones than on the original painting. I will adjust the final image as close as possible to the original but for now, I must get back to painting!

 

The start of a new dog portrait revealed

 At the clients' request, I have not been able to share the progress or final portrait of two of my recently completed commissions. We would not want to ruin the surprise now, would we?  In due time, I will share with you those two paintings I have to keep secret for now.

In the meantime, I am able to share the current painting on the easel. I am facing a rather tough challenge.
 To put things in perspective, the reference image of the subject measures  6" x 3.2" and along with several other not-so-good shots, is to be used to create a large 18"x24" head/shoulder portrait.
  Unfortunately, the pet has passed away and the owner has only poor quality photos to hand me. In this case, I will have to dig into my extensive library of dog images to help me with the details of this Golden Retriever's portrait as well as rely on the client's feedback with the help of work-in-progress updates.

original photo

 

mock up image of portrait using photo above

work in progress of Golden Retriever painting

 

Pet Portrait of Shetland Sheepdog Painting

I do apologize for the delay in posting the final dog painting but summer has a way of distracting me!

This pet portrait was commissioned by a firm who specializes in servicing the funeral services industry.  I can't reveal a whole lot just yet, but I can say that I will be partnering with them in the near future to produce very unique pet portraits.

"Proud as a Princess"
9"x12"
pastel
COMMISSION

You can view other Shetland sheepdog paintings on my website here:
http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/petdescriptions/Sheltie_painting.php

I can't reveal the progress of my next piece because the client doesn't want to spoil the surprise. All I can say is that it is another dog painting in pastel!

Grey Percheron Horse Portrait Commission: Painting in Pastel

I've completed the commission of  the horse painting today and am quite delighted that the clients immediately approved the sample image sent to them. All is left to do is fix the pastel and package the portrait for delivery!

For more information about this and other horse paintings, please visit my website at
http://www.colettetheriault.com/horseportraits.php

"Barney"
Percheron/Thoroughbred cross
Pastel
18" x 24"
Commission

I have always felt that a reproduction never truly captures the exact likeness of any painting as it often seems to miss the subtle variations in hues and color tones.  While this happens with prints, it  is especially true when viewing an image on a computer screen due to variations in monitor brands and individual settings.  Although the image above is a good representation of the artwork, I can see the differences when comparing it to the original.  Perhaps I am too much of a perfectionist, but this is an issue that I keep bumping into when preparing files or running prints of my work.

Dog Portrait of Golden Retriever and Labrador mix

I love the look and feel of pastel on suede as it gives the portrait a soft and delicate appearance...so much so that the viewer is tempted to pet or stroke the dogs. 

 

I decided to add a few coats of spray fixative to this larger painting to ensure the pastel stays where it is supposed to. This prevents unwanted loose dust to dirty the glass and mat once the portrait is framed.

To read more about this dog portrait visit my website at http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/petdescriptions/dogs_portrait.php

Lexxie and Dakota
Dog Portrait Commission
Pastel
18x16

Black Labrador Portait in progress

I was able to begin working on the second dog in this portrait. Although she looks like a black Labrador or flat coated retriever type dog, she may also have some border collie lineage in the mix.

Once I have completed and am satisfied with the head and face of the dog, I anticipate the rest of the body will be quite a breeze...or at least, I hope so.

 

Here are a few more updates of tonight's work.

 

 

Progress on the Golden Retriever portrait painting in pastel

Today, I've almost completed the Retriever's body fur; having only part of the legs and feet to do before I continue to fill in the grass.

In the next update, I should have begun working on the second dog in this portrait commission.



 

Golden Retriever Portrait painting update

You might notice on this update that the dog's left eye has changed position slightly. After looking at them over and over again and observing the image in the mirror, it was apparent that a touch up was in order.

The colors are much richer in real life than on the update below which was taken with a camera.  I reserve the final scan and color adjustment for the last update as I'd rather be painting than spending time matching an update to the original.

Pet Portrait of the Feline Kind!

It has been a busy season so far as I try to catch up on client commissions. Seems like the time just flies buy and then it's the new year!

I hope you enjoy following the progress of this "princess" cat. Keep watching for more updates!

Shih Tzu portrait step 4

Now, just when you might think the most difficult aspect of this dog portrait is complete, think again! What you may not realise is that the dogs are sitting on a wicker chair...now I have to add the intricate details of the side webbing! I guess I really do keep the "best" for last...