When commissioned to do a group portrait of animals I like to be able to go and meet and photograph the dogs. I used to do more of the ‘floating heads’ type of portrait which can work really well. But I do like to try and put all the animals in a place that says as much about them as their faces. The idea of them lounging together on a comfy sofa or hanging out in the garden appeals to me. I like to see where the animals want to be in their house as opposed to me staging it. If the light is good where the animals like to chill then we’re landed!
I’ve included in the blog my reference photos and the extremely rough layout I put together for my own reference in Photoshop. There are usually elements of a couple of photos which can be used in the final composition. As much as Lady the labrador tried, she couldn’t settle in one spot for very long. So I ended up getting one great shot of her face by using a well timed squeak and used one of the body shots from another. I had several to choose from with her lying down but sitting up added some height to the picture.
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The finished painting 20″x16″ pastel on velour. |
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Four of the photographs I was working from although I did have to reference some others for bits of the sofa and background. |
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On my desk easel. |
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The background is pretty loose. I love the light in this room with the big windows and patio doors. Perfect for some side lighting which can add nice contrast. |
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Using a Blue Violet from Unison for the cool highlights on the back of Kropka the cat. |
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A bit more work done to the sofa |
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I love the range of Light shades Unison have. For light coloured or white animals it’s surprising how many colours you need to realistically portray their colour. They reflect so much around them. |
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Working down the left side which is in the light I use a Grey 28 (I like it as it’s slightly warmer than white) to build up the brightest parts of her coat. |
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I’ve used the black stick to sketch in all his dappled bits. Just by following the pattern it gives a sense of his form underneath. |
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Like with Lady, there are many colours in his coat. I try to use the same palette throughout a painting. I have about 5 highlight shades and 5 shadow shades that get used on everything. |
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Almost there! |
Hope you’ve enjoyed the progress of these three. It was so much fun to work on!
Would you like to share your thoughts?
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