Monthly Archives: January 2018

Paris

My next commission was to paint Paris, a 13 year old Staffie.  I’ve never met Paris but I was sent lots of photos and was asked to paint one specific pose and background.  The background requested was a spot-light effect, which I’ve never done before.

So I watched YouTube tutorials and learned about a product called an ‘Extender’ which allows more movement of acrylic paint before it dries.  It also allows you to blend and smooth-out brush strokes.  With this medium the acrylic paint performs just like oil paint and is workable for a longer period of time.

I visited my local art shop to buy the canvas and invested in a bottle of Extender, went home and practised, practised, practised.  At first I thought the spot-light looked like a halo so I practised more and blended more and eventually I was happy with the effect.

Paris

I’m so glad I was asked to paint Paris because I feel it’s pushed me to learn a new paint effect which I know I’ll use again.

After Christmas I received a lovely thank you message from Paris’ Mum together with photos of the canvas framed and hung.

Paris in frame

Tia

Back in the Autumn I was asked to paint a portrait of Tia, a beautiful German Shepherd.   I was given a selection of photos to chose from with a variety of backgrounds.  I’m lucky to have met Tia before and know she loves the outdoors.

After nearing completion of the portrait I started concentrating on the scene behind.

IMG_0580

Initially I painted a floral background but decided it looked too much like wallpaper.  I didn’t feel I could give enough depth to it.  So I painted over the flowers and gave it a blurry background which I was much happier with and thought it looked less distracting.

Tia December 2017

Tia on wall

Tia’s portrait was delivered in plenty of time and I was so glad to hear that her Mum and Dad loved it and hung it immediately.

I could now get on with my Christmas shopping ….. or so I thought!   Skip on over to my next post and meet Paris :)