Pet Portraits

by artist Kathryn Smith

Charcoal Drawing

What better way to commemorate the life of your beloved pet than by commissioning a work of art created especially for you. A painting can reflect your best friend’s personality the way no photograph could. Since most of my work is done from reference photos, clear images are a must. As with children, it is important to get down to their eye level or the finished painting will look distorted and out of proportion.

The following is a basic guideline for photographing your pet.

Squat or kneel while getting your pet’s attention.

If your pet won’t hold still, have a friend hold onto them.

Try making a funny noise to get an alert expression.

Pay careful attention to your pet’s eyes and markings.

Fill the viewfinder or lens with your pet.

Like us, an animal’s personality is captured through their eyes and facial expressions so, remember it is extremely difficult to paint a lifelike portrait from blurred or very small images. My aim is not only to capture their physical likeness, but to also let their individual personality shine through.

Portraits are available in pastel, watercolor or traditional oil on canvas. Head only or full body paintings can be ordered with either a plain or recognizable background. Additional figures and a specific or detailed background will alter the price.

Many of my dog portraits are commissioned after someone’s beloved best friend has passed on. I will do my best to work with you from whatever photos you have to make your painting a lasting memory of your pet.