Schnauzer Harry is painted just for fun.
Harry looks longingly at his birthday cake. I was inspired to paint him after my dog Rosie’s birthday in May.
In the painting, he has a similar doggie edible cake as Rosie had, not that she was interested so much in the cake. She was definitely very fond of the Cheez Whiz icing though!
I found “Harry” at unsplash where I often find inspiration for florals or pets, my latest obsessions. Alvan Nee is the photographer.
Learning through trial and error.
Painting just for fun, and of course, to experiment, is all part of the continuous learning process for me as I am not art school educated.
With Harry's portrait, I wanted to see how I could incorporate texture into the painting. I also wanted to try rub on stickers. The result? Meh…I prefer to paint my own butterflies, but I will have to practice a lot more. As for the textured background, definitely not to my liking. Harry might just disappear behind a fresh coat of paint.
Other pet portraits just for learning.
Over time, I have painted several pets, some published, others not. Of the ones I published I am most happy with Kanuk, painted on paper, also from a reference photo by @dandrew at unsplash.com.
And then there was Ginger, a Corgi, painted from a reference photo by Nataliia Kvitosvska.
I painted Ringo based on Charlotte Yealey’s photograph of a Boxer on Pixabay, another great source of photos that are copyright free.
Both Ginger And Ringo involved experimenting with collage.
Below are experiments in watercolour and pastel. I even experimented with an app to see the difference it might make with Sunny. With Kirby's portrait, I was playing with colours. For most of my portraits, I also invent stories.
Visit my Custom Pet Portrait page to see more of my painted fur babies. On my website, you will also find testimonials, my price list, portraits on wood slices, and much more.
Have a great week!
I like the way you have painted the eyes. Nice work.
Thanks Vivienne. I am always learning new ways to improve my technique.
I like the texture and execution of the cat in the final four and the poise of the Labrador? in that group. Lovely work Louise.
Thanks Graham. The cat was an experiment with pastels while the Lab (not sure what breed it really was) is an experiment with watercolours. Cheers!
Il a une bonne tête, bravo !
Merci Christine. Bonne semaine!
A splendid array of wonderful per portraits you’ve painted, Louise. I think that my personal favorite is Kanuk. Have a great new week, my friend!
Thanks Phil. You as well.