Cedar
[larger]
Working from photographs, with acute attention to form, expression, and personality, my goal with every full color pet portrait is to capture each creature with such veracity that upon first viewing by the pet's "person", the reaction elicited will be: "That is him/her exactly!" every time.
My style varies from close to photo-realism, as with "Cedar", to the more stylized "Scamper".
The style of each painting is determined by the photos that you submit. Lighting, clear definition — or lack of definition — pose, and the animal's expression all come into play in determining the style that evolves. I do not vary the position or lighting of the subject.
I prefer to focus on the pet alone, and will create my own backdrop as I feel enhances the subject. I rarely define backgrounds unless this is important to a client and doesn't detract from the pet. Detailed backgrounds will add to the cost of your pet portrait. (see Pricing)
Scamper
[larger]
Pastels are not actually "chalk" but pigment in its most basic, pure form. They are light-fast and can retain their true color for hundreds of years. I work with the highest quality pastels and pastel pencils to achieve a complete range from large areas of color to the smallest details such as the light in the eyes.
All portraits are painted on high quality, acid-free pressed paper stock, and sprayed lightly with a fixative.