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!

Back from Florida!!

I guess some of you must have been wondering how come I haven't posted in a while. I was busy packing and getting ready for our 2 and a half week treck to Florida. We drove over 2700 kms and spent 6 days driving (3 days each way) but it was well worth the trip.

We stayed at Fort Wilderness Campground at Disney's and of course visited many of the theme parks. Then we headed for the ocean at St. Peterersburg where we unwound from the hectic pace of Disney.

I have taken over 1600 photographs, the vast majority of them are of animals, plants and birds that I have seen during our trip. Gathering wildlife reference material for future paintings was quite successful and I am very satisfied with my new telephoto zoom lense.

I should be back shortly on the easel...I'm taking advantage of the sunny weather to do yardwork but the next few days call for rain. I love rainy days because I have to stay inside and that makes me want to paint or draw even more!