Big idea that seems impossible-Chihuahua family pack pet portrait process plus completed works of art!

Completed 8 dog pet portrait!

Chihuahuas sloppy copy idea practice painting on panel board 

Cute brown girl but no details yet!

Funny guy on a poof no details yet!

Wackadoodle cutie no details yet!

Big pet portrait process of eight little chihuahuas (on a 30x40” canvas)in a funny accent chair, poofs and teacups(naturally) plus hats and shirts and possibly butterflies but maybe super simple flowers will do to keep it cohesive. Go here for funny dog gifts! https://puppycatandmouse.etsy.com/

I started with a practice painting on a 8.5x11” panel board which will soon be my preferred method choice of surfaces. I mixed acrylic and gouache and ink just to put it all together.

I’ve had so many interruptions during the process which completely drains all my mental focus and energy(why does one freeze and feel paralyzed when staring at your artwork?)which can be utterly frustrating, discouraging and I may feel it is impossible, but still I know deep down in my gut I am close to the finish line and will feel joy and satisfaction when that final brush stroke hits and I just leave it. I am working at my pace my own flow and excited about new projects once this great one is in the hands and on the wall of it’s owner!!

Back at it with traditional pet portraits

This pet portrait of my dear small dude of 16 years was therapeutic for me. I’ve painted furby many times but never quite felt the sort of depth and feeling in my paintings before. He was never groomed properly like a Pomeranian should be. I gave him baths in the sink and called it good. The use of pink as a background is pleasing with the blonde and golden fluff colors. Such a tiny nose he had. 😑 I miss him so much. Currently working on a series of pets painted traditionally as to mix up my mediums. I really believe I can confidently paint both digitally AND traditionally. It works! I love it and am excited to begin!

The painted pet portrait series will be listed and for sale on eBay very sooooon!

Acrylic paint on 8x10 canvas. 💔😭💔😭💔

 

Custom pet portrait etsy listing coming sooooon!

Not your average pet portraits! 

I’m super excited to offer these unique pet portraits for sale in my Etsy shop real soon. This is one look of pet portraits that I’m interested in creating for my dog moms and cat moms! (The second option will be a peeking pet that is more painterly and involved) this first option is a full body on a pad of grass and flowers to match the palette. It’s a simple yet stylized look of cats or dogs. 

Single pet for now. 

Turnaround time is 1-10 days after one proof. 

Instant download. 

Print ready. 

Digital print file. 

Not a physical print. 

Jpg and PNG 8x10 size (300 dpi) file for easy printing on art paper or upload to Walgreens on a mug! 

Like I said-not your average pet portrait!♥️

 

Shifting my mindset in my style of painting

 I’ve been shifting the way I normally paint. These past couple of years of painting on the iPad Pro using procreate has elevated my sense of creativity. I do notice my improvement and am simply thrilled when I’ve completed a final pet piece! When I find a photo of a cat or a dog that is a pleasing composition I never plan right. I never sort through a color palette or think of cropping or pick the perfect medium. I just wing it. And it always seemed rushed but acceptable. But here’s the thing-I need a sense of wonder. I need the piece to speak to me. And each stroke needs to be intentional. The piece has to be somewhat compelling to look at? 

I discovered an artist on YouTube because naturally I travel through its clickbait algorithms and after watching multiple pet painted portrait videos-I stumble on to a terrific German painter named Alpay Efy . His portrait painting presentations are simply delightful and straightforward. He explains that starting with painting the details in the eyes, the nose and then the mouth are the most important to begin with. So I took his advice and painted my photo of a hairless kitty cat also known as a Sphinx. It was the eyes! I may have elevated my art finally. I do plan to paint traditional pets in oil one day. But for now I’m very satisfied with my piece I created in 2 hours tonight. The background I struggled with a wee bit but hey. I’m on a better track now!!

Mountain Dog Portrait

My painting marathon continues with this handsome mountain dog dude. I’m challenging myself to complete a bunch of animal paintings such as 💯 by the end of the year.  I’ve never taken something like this on but it’s so incredibly rewarding. I feel the more I complete a portrait the better they turn out. I see the progress and I’m learning new bits and pieces every day with using this amazingly sophisticated software called procreate. I haven’t really begun to utilize the tools properly. I do know there is so much more to learn and I am by no means near what I want to be as an artist but I feel good about where I’m at now and that the future goal of an art career is possible. I work. And then I walk the dog. And then I paint. That is my life.