Holy Moly. I had no idea these little paintings would take off so well! I want to thank everyone who has commissioned me for pet portraits in the last few months. It’s been a great little project that has brought me some joy in the last few months.  There’s a nice challenge to make the pet really look like that exact pet…. being they are covered in fur and look quite similar and all.

I generally ask for a few images of the loved fur baby. A few different angles and shots to show an overall look. Then I choose the photo that has the most animated facial expressions and starts the sketching.  I feel like I have done pretty well capturing the individual likenesses of their owners.

Miss Kitty

Sweet little Miss Kitty is my darling friend Stephanie‘s cat. She recently had to be put down from a chronic illness a few months ago. I felt so willing to do so when Stephanie requested I paint her dealy departed tiny roommate.

The actual painting is all pretty and metallic from using Prima Marketing 590260 Watercolor Confection: Shimmering Lights. I was skeptical when I purchased these if they would really give much of a sheen or if they would be overkill. They are just the perfect amount of shimmer!

Bella

Bella was a sweet gift one of my bride’s commissioned from me as a mother’s day gift. This sweet Pomeranian pup named Bella was so much fun to paint. That white soft fur was giving me a lot of enjoyment out of picking different colors and textures. I used my Uni-Ball UM 153 Signo Broad Point Gel Pen – White – Pack of 3 for the final little details. I know a lot of “true” watercolor artists frown upon this. But honestly, I could give a shit. 

Dumbo

This is probably one of my favorite dog portraits I have ever done. And one of the quickest! This little guy only took me about 5 hours to paint. For me…. that’s quick. I am sort of the slowest painter ever and I have just come to accept that about me.

One of my wedding couples that I was photographing had mentioned that their sweet doggy, Dumbo had passed away. When I chatted on the phone with her I asked if she could send me photos of all of her fur babies as well as her and her fiance. She included Dumbo in those photos to my delight because it was that doggy I was wanting to paint for them.

After I photographed their engagement session, I decided it was time to give them my gift. I didn’t want to greet them with it in case there were tears and I am so glad I listened to my instincts.

They both started crying upon seeing the painting and I can say I have never felt so good about giving a gift in my life. They loved it so much and I was so happy they loved it rather than thinking I was this weirdo for randomly painting their dearly departed fur baby.

Interested in your own pet painting? Contact me for pricing! hello@whiskeyandmagnolias.com