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.

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.