Cat pet portrait work in progress (pastel painting)

Several months ago, I was asked to create a head and neck portrait of this beautiful cat to be given as an early Christmas present to my client's sister.  Like always, when I work on my commissions, I take progression photos which I send to the client for review and feedback. This not only gives the client an opportunity to provide input but also allows them to view the creation process as the subject slowly but surely comes to life in front of their eyes. On occasion, the client may change their mind about a particular aspect (such as a collar or tag for example) and as long as the work is not so far advanced and impossible to change, I am able to fulfill the request.

So, I thought that it would be nice to share the step by step process of how this kitty came to life on paper. Unfortunately, I had to work rather quickly because of the Christmas rush and so I did not take as many progress shots as I usually do.

This first image is a high resolution scan of the actual completed artwork. I manually adjust for color, tone and value using Photoshop and then add a watermark for id purposes. I try to match the original as close as possible but there is always some slight variation due to individual monitor settings and light conditions.

"Sylvester"

Pastel

4"x6"

SOLD

The following images were taken under my work lamp using my cell phone. I don't scan the art as I'm working on it as this is mostly unnecessary and takes up valuable work time. On occasion, I might scan the art when it is further advanced; for example, if the client needs to compare eye or coat color to the actual subject so that it is portrayed as accurately as possible.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step4

Domestic Cat drawing commission

Not-so-good mock image:

The pre-Christmas rush is keeping me busy with yet another commission. The mock I created above was from a real badly over-exposed photograph. The eyes were so white from glare that they appear hollow on the photo. Oh well, a bit of artistic license here will perk up this proud looking fella. Progression of this artwork to come shortly.

Miniature Dachshund Drawing-Montage completed!

12"x22", graphite pencil



portrait detail


This montage portrait offers a glimpse into the life of Molly the dachshund. The top two poses represent Molly as what she did best...spending most of her time comfortably snuggled on a cushion or blanket as she snoozed for most of the day. The bottom poses depict Molly in a more lively mood; one at play and the other (full body pose) showing off the look she gave her master as she patiently waited for supper. The larger, more detailed middle pose shows off Molly sporting a sweet expression, all the while still cuddled in a blanket. There is much more emphasis on her big, beautiful eyes and textured nose and the fine details of her soft, short and shinny fur.


Despite the hard work and many, many hours to complete this dog drawing, it is very rewarding for me to be able to bring a little piece of Molly back to her owners. May the love and kindness Molly brought to their lives stay in their hearts forever.

Happy Holidays

I wish all of my family, friends, clients and visitors to my blog/website, a very Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Year!

Christmas commissions 2008

I will no longer be able to accept Christmas 2008 commissions as of Dec. 08th. I would be happy to work with you in the New Year to create a special portrait. You can also take advantage of a pet portrait gift certificates for that special person. These can be printed off your home printer for an "instant" gift or they can be mailed to you or the recipient in time for Christmas. Please view http://www.colettetheriault.com/giftcertificate.php for more details.

More Christmas commissions

Gosh, this is sure a busy time of year! I have many more pet portraits to complete, most of which will be wrapped and tucked under the Christmas tree! I am presently working on a rather large group portrait of six percheron horses, a wheaten terrier, a kerry blue terrier, a japanese akita, a few cats and a special baby portrait for my cousin. I most likely won't be accepting any new Christmas commissions as I am already booking for the New Year.

Click here to view the current pet portrait work in progress:
http://www.colettetheriault.com/workinprogres.php