Sniff

Every once in awhile I get to do portraits of pets I know on a personal level. My Father-in-Law commissioned a few portraits this year. The first one is of Sniff. Sniff was a cat that has been on the scene since Tim and I met. This cat played favorites and Jeremy was his. Jeremy is Tim's next youngest brother. Sniff passed away not too long ago. This was an "In Memory Of" portrait and they tend to hold a place in my heart. I knew right away that this gift would hold a lot of meaning and would be unexpected.

This is Sniff with Gus and my reference picture. Sniff had some tiger markings and a variety of grays and browns in his undercoat-which would be my challenge.

The sketch was particularly rough because of the long fur. As I started adding oil pastel I realized I would have to get color pencil in the mix sooner than I usually do. Black pigment tends to transfer easily and pencil keeps it in line. (As well as watching where I put my hand!)

First place I added the pencil was around the eyes. I would fill in with grey gradually as I moved around his face. Micro lines also helped define the fur of his chest. 

The oil pastel base and view of my drawing desk. 

"Sniff" 11x14 Oil Pastel and Color Pencil 

Details Details Details

I normally don't frame my work. I leave it up to the customer becuase there is no way for me to know their home decor. I recommend plane black frames without a matting. Matting tends to take away from the vivid colors I use. Some photos the blue tones I used in the background really popped and others the purple did. An indigo blend is one of my new favorites to use. 

Messages like that give me that glow. I am so honored and happy that I get to illustrate such wonderful souls. My Brother-in-Law is a mental health counselor. In some ways the portraits bring about a need for closure my customers didn't know they had or helps them grieve while simultaneously celebrating the life of their pet in art. It is a special thing. 

Stay tuned for Gus. (The Bulldog in the reference photo.)