painted pets

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 1

2012-02-20T12:24:00.000+11:00

I used to photograph every stage of each painting back in 2006 when I began painting pet portraits. For two reasons, to check my work and to keep a record. But as I got busier, that became too time consuming and tedious, so now I usually take only one picture towards the end of the work. I don't show works in progress to clients (some artists do, and even ask for client input), but this is a special case. The last time I posted a work in progress was one year ago (February 2011 post).

This is 30.5 x 40.5cm, a nice size for a portrait. The first stage is a light tonal wash for subject placement and to work out the basic lighting and shadow areas. Draftsmanship is critical here because I have found I can save a lot of time if I get this right! This is actually my second go at this one. There's something, you can feel it, if a work isn't going right. I can't explain that but it's better to start again (for me anyway)rather than persevere with something that isn't working. I hope you come back in a week or two to see the next stage!
Click on image for larger view.

Boxers

2012-02-06T13:13:00.002+11:00

Lucy & Buster

Oil on Linen, 40 x 50 cm
This was commissioned for a Christmas gift, 2011. A gorgeous pair who are very close. Buster looks adoringly at the lovely Lucy. Click on image for larger view.
TESTIMONIAL

"Suzy, she absolutely loved it, thank you very much. It looks fantastic! I would highly recommend your services to anyone that asks..

Burmese

2012-02-05T13:37:00.000+11:00

Arabella & Giorgio
Ink on paper, 25 x 25 cm square (each)
These are two separate drawings, independently framed, but commissioned to be displayed as a pair. Click on the image for enlargement.

Jack Russell

2012-02-04T13:50:00.000+11:00

Lalka (detail)
Ink on paper, 25 x 25 cm
With ink drawings, I only do the one size and I only normally draw the head, but this little dog was wearing a lovely blue jacket so I just had to put that in (I don't normally ad "clothes" either, so this is a really rare exception). Click on the image for enlargement.

It's 2012

2012-01-06T13:23:00.002+11:00

Happy New Year!

December was very busy with commissions for Christmas so I'm updating and revising this blog over the week or two, to include info about paintings, ink drawings and testimonials all in the one place! Much easier to follow and to keep up to date with all my news – so be sure to check back soon!

Our very first CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

2011-10-06T15:17:00.002+11:00

We are offering original Painted Pets ink drawings –
at a special price and a special size (10 x 15 cm) –
for a limited time – only until 15 December 2011

Commission a drawing of your friend's pet for Christmas. One pet on the best 300gsm Arché water colour paper (image size 10x15cm). Created with the same love and care as our larger framed drawings, each portrait comes with an acid-free double matt & backing and is cello wrapped. It will fit any standard 8 x 10 in frame. All for only $175 each

Click on the Link at the top to see our larger ink drawings and client comments

Progress of a painting: Part II

2011-02-22T23:50:00.003+11:00

The final stage & finished portrait. And the original photograph

The last post shows how I start a painting. I'm not saying it's the best way, it's just how I like to work. I don't draw first because for me, the painting develops in a more convincing way when I go straight into painting. In stage 4 here, I fixed the squashed head look I ended up with in stage 3. Then, when the proportions were as good as I could get, I concentrated on fur detail (I love painting fur!), lighting and the background. Some paintings are quicker, but some can take 6 or more stages, depending on the size of the work and it's complexity. That's it. Three and a half months work in a nutshell!
See the finished painting here.

Progress of a painting: Part I

2011-02-20T11:27:00.006+11:00

The first three stages of a portrait

This is Bluey. In the early days I used to photograph my paintings at the end of each painting session. While waiting for the paint layers to dry, I had plenty of time to contemplate how I was going to proceed with the next stage. You can see that I wasn't happy with stage 2, by the way I changed his head shape in stage 3. Sometimes, when you are looking hard and long at a subject, it's funny how you don't see things at all! See the finished painting here.

A very nice cat

2010-11-22T11:45:00.011+11:00

Coco

Oil on canvas, 305 x 405 mm
It's such a pleasure to paint a cat for a change! Coco was preparing for a nap in the Spring light of a warm afternoon, on her favourite garden seat. Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL
"We received your amazing portrait of Coco yesterday.
You have created an incredible likeness. We are amazed at your skill in "capturing" Coco as she really was. We absolutely love the portrait and it's already hanging on the wall above where Coco and my wife used to sit together in the evenings. Suzy, thank you once again for this incredible gift that I was able to give for my wife's birthday."

Italian Spinone

2010-04-22T18:33:00.034+10:00

Spinone

Oil on canvas, 405 x 510 mm
This is a non-commissioned portrait. Another dog I photographed at the RAS Show. Unfortunately I don't know his name but he had such great eyes and hair!
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
AUD $920 + shipping. Contact me for details

Pug

2010-02-22T18:01:00.016+11:00

"Sherbie"

Acrylic on canvas panel, 405 x 505 mm
I normally paint with oils but this was painted using the new
Winsor & Newton artist's acrylics. It's true, there is no colour shift
and the pigments are really clear and bright. Very impressive.

There's also an ink drawing of Sherbie on my PetHeads blog,
so it's interesting to see the comparison.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL
"I just returned from lunch and received the biggest surprise waiting for me!!! Thank you soooo much Suzy!!! Sherbie looks fantastic and I'm still shaking after unwrapping him! (Sorry for all the exclamation marks but this is so exciting...) I'm speechless... A very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well."

Blue Heeler Cattle Dog

2009-12-28T18:19:00.008+11:00

"Clancy"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 405 mm
Dear old Clancy was a very special boy (not a dog at all really).
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL
"Wow!! You have done an amazing job! It's our best mate for sure. The more i look at the portrait the more i love it, and the family have the same feelings. His ears are perfect! I know you were worried about them. His coloring is spot on too. Thank you so very much for the time you have dedicated to completing Clancy's portrait, it's something we will treasure for a lifetime. Thank you again and we will be recommending you to all our pet loving friends."

Cavoodle

2009-06-07T17:51:00.015+10:00

"Jimmy"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 407 mm
I never met Jimmy but I loved those "pipe-cleaner" legs!
A gorgeous bundle of energy, this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/
Poodle cross is such an optimistic character and a great family support.

This painting helped raise funds for Woodbury School for autistic children.
Click on image for larger view.

Whippets

2009-06-06T18:13:00.009+10:00

"Bindi & Darcy"

Oil on canvas, 610 x 760 mm
This painting was shown in my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands. Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Great Dane

2009-06-04T18:24:00.007+10:00

"Oscar"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 760 mm
This painting was shown at my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands. Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL
Thank you Suzy, the portrait is beautiful. What a treasure!
I'm on a couple of Great Dane chat groups where I posted a photo of the painting, these are just some of the comments:
"What an awesome painting of your Oscar! Your artist friend has really captured his essence on canvas!" "That's just stunning! My regards to the artist, indeed" " Simply a wonderful likeness. I know how much Oscar means to you" "What a fabulous painting, compliments to the artist" "The painting is wonderful... talented artist... she really caught his personality in the painting" " WOW what a gorgeous painting. Just Gorgeous, that is amazing, you must be so proud"

Fox Terrier

2009-05-08T19:05:00.005+10:00

"Henry"

Oil on canvas, 610 x 610 mm
Henry is the fastest ball catcher on Earth. It's amazing to see him in action! This painting will be featured in my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition. Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Irish Setter

2009-05-08T18:38:00.008+10:00

"Ruby"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 305 mm
Ruby was a fantastic model! This painting will be featured
in my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

German Shepherd

2009-05-07T18:43:00.007+10:00

"Max"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 405 mm
This cute puppy was waiting for his new tennis ball.
This painting was featured in my exhibition,
Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Labradoodle

2009-05-06T19:14:00.009+10:00

"Basil"

Oil on canvas, 900 x 610 mm
Basil was really a city dog pretending to be a farm dog, posing on that haystack. He looks so grand up there though. This painting was shown in my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Labradoodle

2009-05-06T19:09:00.007+10:00

"Cadbury"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 305 mm
Aptly named, Cadbury's coat matches perfectly to the colour of milk chocolate. Lovely! This painting was shown in my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Irish Wolf Hound

2009-05-06T19:00:00.008+10:00

"Mollie"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 405 mm
This painting will be part of my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition.Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Kelpie & Border Collie cross

2009-05-06T18:54:00.013+10:00

"Wills & Burk'n"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 610 mm
A pair of real country farm dogs! They were resting in the back of the ute (or pick-up if you live in the US) after a hard days work when the photo was taken for this painting. It was was part of my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Maltese Pomeranian cross

2009-05-06T18:04:00.008+10:00

"Chewie"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 300 x 300 mm
Shown in my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Beagle

2009-05-05T19:01:00.003+10:00

"George"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 305 mm
This painting was part of my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

2009-05-05T18:48:00.008+10:00

"Lulu"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 305 mm
This painting was included in my Hounds of the Highlands exhibition. Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Rottweiller

2009-04-06T18:48:00.003+10:00

"Zeus"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 405 mm
This painting will be shown at my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Border Collie

2009-04-04T17:46:00.007+11:00

"Rebel"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 407 mm
This painting was commissioned after Rebel had passed away
(at 16). He was a very special friend, a great mate.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL
"Looks wonderful, thank you Suzy"

Papillion

2009-01-06T18:45:00.003+11:00

"Toots"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 305 mm
This painting will be included in my exhibition
Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Italian Cane Corso

2009-01-06T18:31:00.003+11:00

"Frank"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 405 mm
This painting will be shown in my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands.
This is actually a puppy, so the Cane Corso must grow quite big!
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Staffordshire Terrier (Staffy)

2009-01-06T18:18:00.006+11:00

"Tess"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 305 x 405 mm
This lovely little Staffy painting will be shown in my exhibition
Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Maltese Terrier

2009-01-06T11:13:00.005+11:00

"Peppe"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 300 x 300 mm
This little painting will be shown in my exhibition Hounds of the Highlands.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Labradors

2009-01-04T18:28:00.007+11:00

"Dan & Blue"

Oil on canvas, 2009, 610 x 610 mm
This was the first painting sold in my exhibition called Hounds of the Highlands to be held at the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral.
There will be 40 (dog) works in all, 30 paintings and 10 framed drawings, a selection of which will be posted on this blog.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Beagle

2008-10-23T17:34:00.001+11:00

"Boofy"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 510 mm
Boofy lives on a large property with a few other Beagles.
His most favourite thing is luxury, but he's not bitchy or anything,
just the most loving, gentle and cuddly boy. Everyone loves the Boof.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Great Dane cross

2008-05-22T16:28:00.002+10:00

"Duke"

Oil on canvas, 405 x 510 mm
We interrupted Duke when he was totally absorbed in chewing on
a brand new (enormous) bone. If he could speak, it would be like
"What do you want? I'm very busy now"
This is a non-commissioned painting.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

Kelpie Labrador German Shepherd cross

2008-01-01T17:05:00.011+11:00

"Ruby & Eddie"

Oil on canvas, 407 x 510 mm

This young brother and sister are very close friends but in appearance and personality couldn't be more opposite. Glowing with health and vitality, this pair were so much fun during the photo session, I was sorry to say goodbye. This commission helped raise funds for Assistance Dogs Australia to train and maintain selected dogs to assist people with disabilities. Click on image for larger view.

TESTIMONIAL
"Thank you so much Suzy for painting Ruby and Eddie together.
They're inseparable so this is just the perfect portrait.
We weren't sure what to expect. A good artist can make a nice
portrait of a pet but for the pet owner to actually recognise the
pet on the painting as his/her own, an artist must be very good.
And that's what you have established! Every time we look at the
portrait we really see our Ruby & Eddie. Well done!"

British Blue

2007-11-10T15:25:00.007+11:00

"George"

Oil on canvas, 609 x 609 mm
Another non-commissioned painting. George is so terribly the "smoking jacket and cravat" type. He just loves the finer things in life, simply nothing is too good for George (the Beluga was alone for just one tiny second!). In the sunshine, George's glamorous coat is a fabulous myriad of colour. You can see pink, purple, grey, dusty mauve, and of course a selection of blues. We spent much time just staring at each others hair!
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

My Cat (Maine Coon look alike)

2007-11-10T15:00:00.006+11:00

"Miaow II"

Oil on canvas, 610 x 610 mm

Another painting shows Miaow in her later years (caught in the bedroom playing with the curtains!). This painting brought her back into our lives, along with her quirks and mischievous ways. They say you can't train a cat. But Miaow used to sharpen her claws on our front door mat before entering the house (she'd do that next to you when you were wiping your feet), no scratching post her her! At meal times she would sometimes sit at her placemat and wait, but if she was asked to "sit" she would always do so before her dinner was served.
(all this is true!). We still miss her incredible personality.

Click on image for larger view.

Ginger Cat

2007-09-10T14:06:00.002+10:00

"Max"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 405 mm

Max was 19 at the time of painting.
He was huge! And bright orange.

Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Border Collie

2007-07-09T14:19:00.003+10:00

"Ziggy"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 405 mm

A seriously handsome boy, with amazing red tinges in his rich coat.
Ziggy always had a smile on his face, especially when he got
to play with his favourite ball, even at grand age of fourteen.

This commission helped raise funds for BowMeow,
a local non-profit group providing voluntary support to help
people care for their pets. Click on image for larger view.

Tabby

2007-04-06T15:11:00.004+10:00

"Spike"

Oil on canvas, 609 x 305 mm

This tiny innocent-looking little cat is a real
ball of energy. Everything is an adventure,
this means kicking it around to see if it will play,
pouncing on it, chewing it or maybe swinging from it.
If it still won't play he will return and try again later!

Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE for detailsContact me

Chihuahua-cross

2007-04-06T14:51:00.002+10:00

"Ellie"

Oil on canvas, 507 x 405 mm

This cute little Chihuahua-cross is a ball of energy.
Just in case we are going to play with the ball or go for a run,
little Ellie is always ready. The ball especially is such fun
so we never say no to that! There is nothing better in life,
although a run in the park comes very close.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL

"Just writing to let you know how much we love our portrait,
and to thank you for the great work you did!! It looks so great on the wall, just like Ellie's looking down on us to make sure we're ok! It's the greatest gift anyone could possibly give or receive (other than a pet as amazing as Ellie of course). Thanks again Suzy, you are an amazing artist and I hope you get the recognition you deserve!"

Labrador Puppies

2007-03-21T15:36:00.000+11:00

"When we grow up!"

Oil on canvas, 457 x 609 mm
These puppies look cute now, but when they grow up they will
become professional Guide Dogs. A very elite group. Guide dogs have
important work to do, they are a partner in mobility, a soul mate,
and above all, they show the way to an independent life.

This portrait was auctioned at the Guide Dogs 50th Anniversary Ball
in 2007, with the proceeds benefiting the dogs.
Click on image for larger view.
#1013

Blue Heeler Cattle Dog

2007-03-21T15:16:00.004+11:00

"Blue"

Oil on canvas, 507 x 405 mm

Bluey lived on a farm in Berrillee, just north of Sydney.

He and his boss did everything together. Blue loved long walks
in the bush (chasing goannas!) or swimming in the dam.
But those walks were getting longer, he tried to keep up with the boss
but sometimes it was just too much. The pictures for this portrait
were taken in May 2007, but we lost dear old Blue before he
could see his portrait. He's at rest in his favourite garden spot now.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL

"Such a great painting!! Bluey was part of our property
so the whole family are thrilled at the memory of him
you've captured. His personality is shining through
the canvas. It's like he's sitting here next to me waiting
to go for a walk. I'm biased about his good looks and
fabulous coat, but it's all there! Thank you so much!
Bluey would thank you too, he really was my best friend! "

Irish "Mouse" Hound

2006-06-12T14:38:00.001+10:00

"Daisy"

Oil on canvas, 610 x 610 mm

Daisy's lovely cappuccino coloured coat is a mix of soft baby-like tufts
and long thick wiry hairs. (a feature of the Irish Mouse Hound?)
Another hound-like characteristic is those giant black marbles
of eyes exhibiting curiosity about absolutely everything.
Socially very timid until she knows that you are her friend,
Daisy in work-mode is the opposite, protector of her home with
a bark like that of a huge dog! Her contrasting personality
matches her contrasting hair.

Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

My cat (Miaow)

2006-06-12T14:32:00.004+10:00

"Miaow"

Oil on canvas, 507 x 405 mm

Originally a house guest for what was to be twelve months,
Miaow moved permanently into our home when she
found she could take over everything; indulge in superb
gourmet cuisine (too indulgent to mention here), romp in the garden
whenever she chose and nap on her own chair in sunny afternoons
on the front verandah.
For recreation, she could tease the German Shepherd next door.
Miaow left us one very sad morning in May 2000.
She was about 17. This portrait was painting from an old photo
and many memories. Click on image for larger view.
Artist's collection

Schnauzer Cross

2006-04-05T14:11:00.001+10:00

"Byron"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 405 mm
This is one of my very early dog portraits.
Click on image for larger view. SOLD

Doberman

2006-02-01T14:14:00.001+11:00

"Angus"

Oil on canvas, 510 x 405 mm
Another early portrait.
Click on image for larger view. AVAILABLE
Contact me for details

My very first pet portrait

2006-02-01T14:02:00.001+11:00

"Kitty"

Oil on canvas, 2006, 405 x 505 mm
This is my very first attempt at animal portraiture.

He was such a cute little cat, actually he was grey.

Not a great painting but it's a good record anyway.
Artist's collection

painted pets

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 1

Boxers

"Suzy, she absolutely loved it, thank you very much. It looks fantastic! I would highly recommend your services to anyone that asks..

Burmese

Jack Russell

It's 2012

Our very first CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Progress of a painting: Part II

Progress of a painting: Part I

A very nice cat

Italian Spinone

Pug

Blue Heeler Cattle Dog

Cavoodle

Whippets

Great Dane

Fox Terrier

Irish Setter

German Shepherd

Labradoodle

Labradoodle

Irish Wolf Hound

Kelpie & Border Collie cross

Maltese Pomeranian cross

Beagle

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Rottweiller

Border Collie

TESTIMONIAL"Looks wonderful, thank you Suzy"

Papillion

Italian Cane Corso

Staffordshire Terrier (Staffy)

Maltese Terrier

Labradors

Beagle

Great Dane cross

Kelpie Labrador German Shepherd cross

British Blue

My Cat (Maine Coon look alike)

Ginger Cat

Border Collie

A seriously handsome boy, with amazing red tinges in his rich coat. Ziggy always had a smile on his face, especially when he gotto play with his favourite ball, even at grand age of fourteen.

This commission helped raise funds for BowMeow, a local non-profit group providing voluntary support to helppeople care for their pets. Click on image for larger view.

Tabby

Chihuahua-cross

Click on image for larger view. SOLD

TESTIMONIAL

Labrador Puppies

Blue Heeler Cattle Dog

Irish "Mouse" Hound

My cat (Miaow)

Schnauzer Cross

Doberman

My very first pet portrait

TESTIMONIAL
"Looks wonderful, thank you Suzy"

A seriously handsome boy, with amazing red tinges in his rich coat.
Ziggy always had a smile on his face, especially when he got
to play with his favourite ball, even at grand age of fourteen.

This commission helped raise funds for BowMeow,
a local non-profit group providing voluntary support to help
people care for their pets. Click on image for larger view.