When I paint a portrait, whether a person or a pet, my aim is to capture the character and essence of the personality I am asked to portray.

The eye is the essential spark of this, which is why it is so important to have clear photographs if I am unable to meet the subject personally.

With the spirit captured in the eye, the individual subject is then captured by close observation of bone structure, hair texture & colouring.

Obviously with dogs a good basic knowledge of the various breeds is essential. My knowledge was thoroughly tested when asked to create the "Best Friends" design for Tuftops. This has 39 different breeds of dog edging the board. I must admit the original painting had far more variations of colour, but unfortunately many got lost during the printing process, but I was very pleased with the end result! This image can be seen on the Tuftops section.

When taking the photographs, it is best to stick to a few common sense rules:
1/ Photograph at eye level, so you are not looking down at the subject.
2/ Fill the frame, to get as much detail as possible.
3/ Avoid wide angle or long telephotos lenses, both of which will distort the features. A standard lense or short telephoto will give the most natural results.
4/ Try to use natural lighting.(Photograph outside)
5/ Get a helper standing slightly behind and to one side of you, to get an alert expression.

All of these tips will help you to get a great photo to work from.

It is difficult to make up a portrait from blurred, tiny photos, you will get a picture of dog with the right markings, but without being able to see the eye clearly, it is impossible to capture the individual. Which essentially is what a portrait is really all about!!

Commissions are available in graphite, watercolour, pastel or traditional oil on canvas. Every commission is completely individual & will be painted to suit you own requirements.

I will happily paint either a head portrait or full body.

Backgrounds can be a simple wash or a particular favourite scene.