French Bulldog Memorial Portrait (Pet Commissions)

When I was asked to create a portrait of this sweet little Frenchie named Yoda, I instantly thought that he was much more handsome than the actual "Star Wars" character. Those enormous bat-like ears surely must have been the reasoning behind his name...nonetheless, I love those too!

This portrait was done using soft pastel sticks and pencils on a beige toned archival suede panel. I just love the softness that can be achieved with this support, and how I was able to portray the dog's short velvety coat. The owner was quite pleased with the final result and I will have the pleasure to draw their two gorgeous Savannah cats in the future!

"Yoda"

French Bulldog Portrait

Soft pastels

11x14

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

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!

Yellow Labrador Dog Pet Portrait commission

When I first saw the reference image I was using for Ollie's portrait I thought oh, how much FUN it was going to be to draw this pose! One can't help but smile looking at Ollie's charming face as she stares right back at you.
This portrait was commissioned to remember all the joy that Ollie brought to the lives of her human family.

Ollie

Yellow Labrador Retriever

Pastel

11x14

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

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 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 

An artist's life...not always what it seems.

Much to my chagrin, an artist's job revolves around doing so many other things other than paint or draw. As self-employed individuals, we sometimes have to wear many "hats" to help ensure a good functioning of the business.  This might include things like bookkeeping, accounting, advertising, follow ups, grant applications, stocking of materials and supplies, framing, field work, social networking, workshops, websites, promotions, and the list goes on!

While I don't do all of  these things everyday (although some are routine), focusing on actual painting time is not always easy because personal life, well, that often becomes priority too! I've realized I am still learning on how to manage time more efficiently, and organize and prioritize tasks to achieve a healthy compromise and become more productive.

It will be an interesting 2015; I know it will be different than last year.

On that note, I leave you with a glimpse of my first project of the year...a commission of a well known and loved breed of dog. Guesses anyone?

Portrait of Belgian Malinois Painting in Pastel

As promised, here is the finished and client approved version of the Belgian Malinois dog portrait using pastels.

After sketching the outline and major features of the dog, I worked the top half of the background first.  Then I started with the ears and worked my way down the dog's face. The last part was adding the darker green on the lower half of the background.

You can follow the work in progress on my website

"Zorro"

Belgian Malinois

pastel

9" x 12"

COMMISSION

Progress of Belgian Malinois Portrait

I took the following photo, which shows the next step of the dog portrait, with my phone and so the colors are way off. It will have to do for now, I suppose...until I scan a final version of the completed artwork and make any necessary color adjustments.

On this step, I'm almost finished the fur on the neck/shoulder and then I will move on to finishing off the background (which should be a breeze)!

Stay tuned for the conclusion to this painting...

Scanning problems with update of dog drawing

I enjoy my technological tools but sometimes they make me go crazy. Intermittent scanner issues have been causing me lots of trouble lately. I had to resort to use the smaller scanner on my printer which does not give me the results I desire but it will have to do for now. So here is the portrait of the black Labrador just about done!

The Gift of a Dog Portrait- Poodle Maltese Mix Painting in Pastel

I often get requests from clients to keep a portrait commission "secret" because it is intended as a birthday or Christmas gift for a special  someone. I love surprises! After many days or weeks of  secretly sharing updates of the work in progress via email with the client, nothing pleases me more to know that the stunt was pulled off and the recipient had no idea !!

No longer a secret, this next commission I can now share with you. I was told the recipient was very pleasantly surprised and even got emotional.  It warms my heart to hear and read such stories and knowing my painting has touched someone's life in a positive way. I really do have the best job in the world!



"Korky"
8"x10"
pastel
Commission
To view the progression of this portrait visit my website www.colettetheriault.com