These are things pet owners might want to consider when ordering a portrait of a pet. Providing photos. High-resolution images are preferred. Please avoid using low-resolution pixelated images. Often pictures taken with a mobile phone produce poor quality images but they are getting better. Small images or blurry photographs with low detail are not acceptable to work from. If you have a specific photo or pose you want your artist to work with, just let us know. Send pictures that have appealing light on the subject to insure the best portrait. Strong light in pictures with deep shadows are ..read more

Our pets are not people. As soon as you hold up the camera they may have a reaction that could be unexpected. They could be caught off guard and get scared, or they may immediately want to sniff that box in your hand that you are pointing at them. You might try to tell them to sit and look at the camera, but they have other plans. They just don’t understand that all we are trying to do is have them pose for the camera. Below are 10 tips for taking better pet pictures. 1. FOCUS ON THE EYES. The eyes are known as “windows to the soul”, but it’s also what we focus on when we look at a picture or ..read more

Step by Step Horse painting in Oils – Pt 2 Step 6: Moving down to the neck Next for this horse portrait, I began filling in the broad areas of the neck, working dark to light. Step 7: Finding the high areas Find the high areas that are catching light and begin describing the mane. Step 8: Finishing the neck and beginning the reins A dry fan brush was used to blend the highlights on the neck. I used another fan brush to get the hair effects desired for the mane of the horse. When beginning the reins on the horse concentrate on the general tones and colors of the straps and hardware. Avoid gett ..read more

Labrador Retriever Step by Step Oil Painting Original image This was my main reference. I had a separate reference for the bandana that I included in the finished painting. Her name is Maggie and she is an adult labrador retriever. Super sweet, calm, loving dog. Step 1 & 2 I wish I remembered to take a picture of the drawing before I started painting. After drawing the subject I began painting the head. I always paint from light to dark when working in oils. I started with the darkness of the eyes, lips, nose, and the cast shadow under the chin. Next I moved to the darker mid tones in ..read more

Step by Step Horse painting in Oils – Pt 1 Original Horse Reference Picture This pet portrait is going to be of this horse. I particularly liked this photo because of the color of the horse and the late afternoon lighting. This light is creating deep shadows and strong highlights. Look at how deep the shadows that are cast from the cheek piece & throat latch straps and how they are falling on the subject. Original Reference PictureMy Pallet I tend to use a limited pallet depending on the subject manner. For this painting I used: Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Cadmium Yellow ..read more

Why get a portrait of a pet? There are many reasons why a pet owner may choose to purchase a pet portrait. A few of the different reasons are discussed here. Pet Memorial – Often when a pet passes away, the owner wants to remember their lost loved pet. Many owners choose to purchase a portrait. A professionally painted portrait is great way to honor and serve as a loving tribute to their beloved lost friend. Gift Ideas – Pet portraits are a great gift idea to pet owners and the gift could be a for any occasion. Most pet owning recipients will adore a pet portrait. So the next time you are ..read more