Hattie the Golden Retriever

This is Hattie a beautiful Golden Retriever who is to be the subject of my next portrait.  This portrait is going to be a surprise birthday present!  I took the photo of Hattie - a free photo shoot is included in all regularly priced portraits.  I like to be able to take the photo myself as I know exactly how I need the photo to be to do the best portrait I can do. I also love to meet the pets I draw before I get started as it helps me with the process and I feel makes for an even better portrait.

The finished Watercolor!

The finished watercolor portrait.  I am pleased with the way it came out and particularly like the way the horse's coat shines. I hope my client will be pleased... I know this photo means a lot to her as did the horse depicted in it. 

Watercolor Painting - adding the initial washes...

Here you can see I have put in the soft background tones and started on the horse and rider. I like to keep the background somewhat muted so as to not distract from the main subject.

Watercolor Painting

This is the beginning stages of my latest commission - a 7"x10" watercolor portrait. I start by lightly drawing in  a contour drawing. This was a great photo to work from...