A collection of pet portraits

Readers who are interested in my art know that I love to draw and paint animals and birds (see my post on Equine Art). Some of these are depicted in their natural setting, some are more funky or fanciful, such as my collection of hares on sofas.

 

One aspect of this animal art which I find fascinating is making portraits of animals I know personally, a practice I started as a child by obsessively drawing the family dogs (mostly when they were asleep!) One such portrait which I still have is the one below, of the family labrador, Brett, which I must have done aged about fourteen or fifteen.

 

The most interesting side of this is to observe the animal and try to give a hint of his or her character. I am of course aided by photographs, especially if I get a commission to paint an animal I have not met (however, usually I’ve heard a lot about them from the owners!)

So, without further ado, meet:

Eden, a feisty little Jack Russell

 

Valerie, a Weimaraner who likes to strike mournful poses, although she’s full of pep

 

 

Balou, a faithful Golden retriever.

 

 

A bunch of Norfolk terriers, hairy balls I cannot tell appart, in life or in photos. Here are the parents:

 

 

 

And the offspring

 

 

Java, another ball of fluff, chilling.

 

 

And a couple of cats. Goldie, striking a pose,

 

And Meli, peeping out of her bed.

 

 

Also a horse, Rubia, done in biro

 

And finally my own dog, Frankie. Dachshunds are difficult to draw, because you either have to lie down on the floor to get a good angle,

 

 

Or draw them from above!

 

 

 

Still easier than people portraits, though…

21 thoughts on “A collection of pet portraits”

  7. Lovely portraits with lots of personality.
    My favourites are the Weimeramer and the first cat – ooh, and the hare.
    I’m embarking on a couple of 2d felted portraits of my two dogs but I need to improve my technique first as it’s all new to me.

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