Jenny

Sometimes a client approaches me and asks me to depict a pet that has sadly passed away. In these cases I ask them to send me as many photographs as they can. Even though none of the photographs may be an ideal portrait, I can pick out the best ones and use different aspects from each. For example, the preparatory sketch shown here is the base for a painting which uses a number of images. While the main angle of Jenny's head is taken from one, I'll use two other photos to help me fill in the details which were lost in shadow in the first photograph.

Two Spaniels 

The first thing I like to do when I get a new commission is to choose the best photograph and make a preparatory sketch for the client. I like them to see the overall composition and give an idea of how the finished painting will look. It's important for me to make sure that the client is completely happy before I begin the actual painting. It's very reasssuring for both of us to see this before the process of laying paint to paper begins!

Here's my 40 x 40cm sketch for my latest commission, it's always easier when the subjects are so handsome! And I'm really looking forward to getting started painting this pair.