Current dog finished

The final painting.There were 2 intermediate stages after the last post on this work (the number of intermediate stages can vary depending on many things).
But the painting is now dry, packed, and on it's way as I write this post (hoping it will arrive in time for Christmas!)

Current dog

This is the under painting stage for a new portrait. I leave the work at this stage for a while and contemplate. It's the best way for me to see any mistakes and make any adjustments before the later stages of the painting. Major changes in the final stages can be (and almost always are!) a huge nightmare. I have been known to start a whole new painting from scratch when problems aren't obvious early on, for me this is actually easier, but of course it takes more time. 
This handsome German Shepherd was an Agility champion. Agility training with his family was his passion. A lovely dog (but not quite captures here yet). The portrait is 30 x 40 cm oil on canvas.

Our Annual Christmas Special is back!

It's only 13 short weeks to Christmas!!
Due to popular demand, the famous Painted Pets Christmas Special is back...
at a special price and a special size... but only until 15 December 2012.

Commission an original Painted Pets ink drawing, like this one of "Jimmy", for yourself, or as a unique Christmas gift. 

Created with the same love and care as our larger framed drawings, you get one pet on the best Arché water colour paper (image size 10x15cm), with an acid-free double matt & backing (as shown) and is cello-wrapped. It will fit any standard 8x10 in frame. A signed original for only $175 each.

My latest cat painting

This is a portrait of a very stunning Maine Coon. He has a most luxurious coat in shades of ginger and white. The portrait is 30 x 30 cm oil on canvas. It's interesting to compare with the post below, which is an ink drawing on paper.

THE OWNER SAID: "Hi Suzy, we think it's ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR!!!!
Thank you so very much. You are a very talented artist and I'm so glad
I found you to do the painting."

A new ink drawing

This is an ink drawing (25 x 25cm) of our gorgeous little cat. This work, and three others
can be seen at the Milk Factory Gallery in Bowral for a few weeks, so if you are in the area, come by and take a look!
Click on image for a larger view.

Millie (detail)

The portrait of lovely little Millie was delivered on the weekend,
and the owner said...
Thank you so much Suzy, I absolutely love it! It is amazing! It's so much more than I had expected!

See the whole painting, and more at www.paintedpets.com.au 

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 4 the final work.

Here is the finished portrait (and the original reference image). The picture was taken in quite strong sunlight, which creates some dark shadows and can sometimes compromise detail. With dark coloured dogs especially, their eyes get lost in the shadows. I hate that! Here, I lightened off some of the heavier shadows so you are drawn to the character and the dog's face, not the harsh lighting. Your eyes can focus those lovely ears and that face, resulting in a more intimate portrait. Something a painting has over photography!

This gorgeous man was a 6 year old Bull Arab. I didn't have the chance to meet him but he stood tall and proud, with a great stance (to me he looked like he could be a Show Dog with such perfect posture) and he was very very fit. His family say he was a perfect gentleman, very gentle and loyal. He was a working dog which was the way he died (doing something he loved). Rip dear Mojo

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 3

The portrait is starting to take shape now (we're on the home run!). This is where the background develops. I like to keep that simple, just enough to set an atmosphere but not to detract from the subject in any way.
Click on image for a larger view.

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 2

This is the second stage of the painting below. I like this part because the colours are greatly exaggerated here, giving a stronger and clearer final result with more depth. This part of the underpainting is a great time to play around with colour and light while refining shapes.
Click on image for a larger view. 

Progress of a painted portrait. Stage 1

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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)

"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

"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