05/09/2026
✨Did you know, a pet portrait starts long before I sit at my easel?
A lot goes on behind the scenes before any pastel even touches the paper! 😯
It starts with client consultation, obtaining the right reference photo, and that can involve lots of trial and error! I’m looking at the light and shade, colours, and all the tiny details I’ll need to capture the pet's character.
Then there’s preparing the photo, working out the best size and composition, deciding exactly where the pet will sit within the portrait, and working with my client to choose the background and frame colours that will best complement their pet. 🤔
I’ll often make mock-ups to compare different combinations, before making a final decision.
Once I’m happy, I'll print off a copy of the chosen image to refer to, although I use my tablet as my main reference, as it gives me a much more accurate representation of the colours.
Only then am I ready to sit at my easel and start the part you get to see! 😊
Oh and the image is an avatar - despite telling it not to, AI decided to make me slimmer and younger!! - I guess I can live with that!🤣
