The bond we forge with our pets is strong and makes them as dear to us as any other member of our family. My goal in painting a pet portrait is not only to capture the physical likeness but also the unique character and spirit of your pet. Dogs, cats, horses or other pets can be rendered with a full background, a vingette background or no background and in full body or head and shoulders only. Special consideration for a specific breed's unique structure will be given in order to achieve the best possible position for your dog, cat or horse.
Portraits can be rendered in pencil, charcoal or pastel. I use only the highest quality professional artist grade materials. In order to get started on your pet portrait I will need one or more reference photos, a description of your pet's personality and the qualities you want to see in your finished painting.
A Note About Reference Photos
The ideal reference photo is clear, close-up, well-lit and detailed. The best photo is the one that reminds you of all your pet's unique quirks and endearing characteristics. Additional photos, espcially close ups that have a clear view of the eyes, are greatly appreciated. I can use digital or printed photos and will return any hard copies to you.
If you do not have any photos suitable for reference, where time and location permit, I will be happy to schedule a photo session with you and your pet. In the case where the pet has unfortunately passed, I can use what you have to make the painting work.
Pet Portrait Gallery
Click on any image for a larger view:
Pet Portraits
tracy@shubinartstudio.com
Painting Pets with Pastels
Pastel paint is a dry paint medium in the form of sticks. The sticks are made from powdered color pigments that are bound together with a minimum of resin or gum binders. These are the very same pigments used for oil, watercolor or acrylic paints but in a more pure form. Because of its purity, pastel paint is the most permanent of all paint mediums. If framed under glass, a pastel painting will remain unchanged for generations.
Pastels are my preferred medium for pet portraits. The luminous quality of the color makes this a perfect medium to capture the texture and rich colors of a dog's glossy coat, the shine in a cat's eye or the flow of a horse's mane.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. I will be happy to discuss any portrait you have in mind!
All images copyright Tracy Shubin. No images on this page may be reproduced without express written consent of the artist.
