Pet Portraits

the process and samples

Emma

Clients: multiple

Project: Pet portraits

Challenge: Use two pairs of opposite colors only

Tools: acrylic paint on art board

Description: This style grew out of an exercise in John Andrew's color media class. The palette is limited to two pairs of colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Then one paints the lighted areas with warm color and the shaded areas with cool color (and a little bit of everything everywhere to balance).

For instance, Emma is red/green, blue/orange and in the cool tones. It's actually the same colors used for Billy & Jean below with a very different outcome. Owners often express a preference for more realistic color or more colorful painting.

I use either my own photo or one from the owner and start trace down the general areas to start. I then do several washes with the colors. then I shift to opaque paint for details.

These are labors of love for family, friends and pets that I've known; a few are commissions. They never fail to surprise me.

The Process