The Fine Art of Animal Portraits

How it came about

After over twenty five years as a Graphic Designer/Artist I was moved into restarting my fine art career mainly by my husband who was refurbishing office space and had set aside space for me to set up a studio. I began by looking for new material to draw and paint for inspiration and to get the creative juices flowing again. So set out with camera and sketch book in hand.

At a research visit to a local horse stud to take photos, the owners became very interested in my work. Without much effort I had a commission for a painting and had sold a print of a new practice painting of one of their horses.

After this came more interest in not only my painting skills for animals but also my photographic skills with more commissions coming in from referrals from the ladies at the stud and local “word of mouth”.

What started as practice for painting and drawing horses had now branched out to a steadily growing business portraying dogs, cats, horses or nearly any other pet that someone would like a special portrait of. This has grown more recently to portraits of humans and to landscapes and seascapes featuring the Mornington Peninsula area near my home.

The Process

Following is a basic outline of the process of creating a portrait for a client from supplied photograph to finished pastel painting.

The Original Photo

It doesn't matter whether the original photo is from the client or taken by me, it goes through the same basic treatment. The photo goes into the computer and is manipulated in Photoshop. Any background, shadows and marks that are not required are removed. The photo has the colours enhanced if required and is sharpened to give clear edges. Any important details, especially in the face are highlighted at this stage so that I can place them correctly on the artwork. I also like to get the look of the animal's coat correct at this point to show any unique markings or tufts of fur or hair. These are all little details that an owner knows so well about their pet and that I must bring out to help show a good likeness.

The Modified Photo

When I am happy with the look of the photo and it looks like it has the composition to make a good artwork, I check the tonal values by making a grey scale copy. This is also used as I work on the portrait. The modified colour photo is run out on a colour laser printer and a proof sent to the client.

Most commonly the proof is sent via email and a hard copy is either picked up by the client or sent to them in the mail. From there the client and I can discuss how the artwork is to be done and the client gives their approval to go ahead.

Approval of Photo

When I receive a signed approval from the client I start work on the portrait. If I haven't received one already, it is at this stage that a deposit is appreciated.

Depending on the price of the artwork this can be from 10% to 50% of the final cost. Since adding the convenience of a portable EFTPOS machine, this has become far easier for clients and better for me, as I am no longer having to rely on having cash available for change.

Drawing in Outlines

Using a colour laser print as a guide as well as the original photo, I begin by drawing in all the basic outlines of the work. They can be kept fairly simple as long as the proportions are correct.

This is really the most important part of the whole process. The placement of major features such as the eyes, nose and mouth need to be correct as well as their proportions to each other. The whole structure of the final artwork sits on this foundation. If you have the eyes, for instance, set in the wrong place on the face no amount of clever painting or drawing after that will make the animal look like it should.

Blocking in

This stage is where the major shaded areas are blocked in and the subject begins to gain some form. It is where the real fun starts, as the character is now going to be “revealed” with each layer of colour going on. It is also when the eyes are put in, nearly at the start of the process, working from them out towards the sides of the subject.

Half Way Point - Proof to Client

When the work is near the halfway point and the form and character of the animal is starting to be really clear, a proof is sent to the client via email, so that they are included in the creative process. After all it is their pet, they know it best. At this point it is easier to make some changes if needed. On approval, work is done to put in all the final touches of the lighting and shadow, the texture of the coat and any other little additions to personalise the picture. On the example here, the cat's legs and feet were removed after this proof, as it was agreed that it was not “working”.

Final Version

When I feel that the work is finished, I set it aside for a day or so. Not looking at it and then coming back to it with a fresh set of eye helps make sure there is nothing that has been missed. I will quite often at this stage photograph the work and in Photoshop, flip it in all directions to see how it looks upside down, and even sideways. I also change it to grey scale to check the tonal values. All this is to make sure that the client is getting the best I can do and I am supplying good quality artwork. When a client cries for joy on first seeing their completed painting and happily makes their final payment, it is a clear sign that all these efforts are definitely worth it!

About the Artist

I studied at Chisholm TAFE in the late '70s and have also been a Graphic Designer/Artist for over thirty years for publishing, display advertising, newspaper, real estate, printing, web site design and sign companies. More recently I have done workshops with such talent as Glenn Hoyle and David Chen and attend demonstrations as often as possible, treating them as a two hour lesson on the subject of the day.

I am a member of the McClelland Guild of Artists and regularly attends meetings. I have won several prizes including 2nd place for Artist of the Year 2009, co-winner for 2008 and also placed third for Artist of the Year for 2007 and 2006. A good achievement after only being a member and returning to painting during 2005.

I have also had highly commended awards at Karingal Art Show and Artgallop Gallery Horses for Courses Art Show. My painting titled I Love my Mum! won Best in Show at Western Port Festival in February 2010.

I am now a member of the Mornington Peninsula Art Society and the Berwick Artist's Society. I won first prize for water colours at my first monthly meeting as a member of Berwick.

I do animal portraiture by commission. These include beloved canine pets as well as cats and of course horses. I work mainly in oils, acrylics and pastels. I can arrange to modify existing photos or take some new ones for your new portrait.

I also do landscapes, seascapes and some interesting and bold presentations combining fine art and graphic elements to create my own unique style.

I am the featured artist at Above the Mantle in Frankston and at Moodi's Café in Pearcedale. All artworks on display are for sale.

Janice Mills

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