I am fortunate enough to call the recipient of this gift a friend. Rachel and I worked together at GEICO. She had put herself on the list for a portrait this past fall and due to hardships with her current pup Angel, she had to pass on her spot in line. Vet bills! I totally get that one. My pup Ruby has caught us a time or two without a cent. However, the next client on the waiting list happened to be Rachel's best friend, Mary! Mary bought the portrait as a surprise birthday gift!!!
I had several photos to use for reference. I loved some in particular for different reasons, some showed Chloe's goofy personality, or had good lighting, or meant something to Rachel. However, the winner was to take the family's engagement photo and crop Chloe out. TJ, Rachel's fiance submitted that one and Mary agreed it was the right photo. She was a sweet and goofy girl that was taken too soon.
The dog's expression is of over-excitement which is typical in family photos featuring our fur babies. "What?! I have to keep still when there is so many things?! Grass! Squirrel! Gotta run run run!!!" I took creative liberty to turn her head slightly and softened her expression. In memory of portraits are usually done in a way to show the sweet life of the loved one and joy they brought to their families.
I did have some challenges with the photo quality. Black dogs are a challenge to begin with but I lost the line definition around the left eye and in the right ear. Low quality photos come with the territory of doing pet portraits. Most of us are snapping them with our phones on the fly. Our pets are rarely still unless sleeping so there is always blur. This was a professional photo but on the preview of the website. I didn't have access to the full resolution file. I made due though.
Sketch
Progress
Progress
I start to hop around the page and start doing dots in smaller patches to help balance my perspective.
Progress
Progress
Progress
My stare and tweak stage was mainly focused on the eye. With ink there is always the risk of going too dark. Stippling is all about layering the dots lightly first then darkening them up and creating highlight and shadows without drawing actual lines. It had to be clear that this dog was black in color. Strategic darkening was the name of the game.
"Chloe" 11x14 Ink Stippling Portrait (In Memory Of)
Detail Shot 1
"Every once in awhile blow your own damn mind."
I definitely had one of those moments with the eye here.
I love it when they look back at me the way I see them in my mind and heart.
Detail Shot 2
Detail Shot 3
Detail Shot 4
Side by Side
Chloe's Corner in Rachel's home. I am so honored to be the artist that brought this family healing. I was lucky to receive a video message of her opening the gift. The tears and love that flowed immediately made me bawl my eyes out too. I don't always get to see the reactions so it was a special thing.
