The Process of Turning a Photo into a Beautiful Pet Portrait

The Process of Turning a Photo into a Beautiful Pet Portrait

 

As a pet portrait artist based in Glasgow, I’m often asked about how I transform a simple photograph of a beloved pet into a vibrant, lifelike pastel portrait. Whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other cherished animal, the journey from a photo to a finished piece is always exciting and unique. In this post, I want to walk you through the process, offering insight into how I approach each commission—from selecting the right reference photo to capturing the true essence of your pet’s personality. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a pet portrait or are considering commissioning one yourself, this post will give you a clear understanding of the steps involved.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Reference Photo

The very first step in the process is choosing the right reference photo. The quality of the photo you provide plays a significant role in how successful the final portrait will be, as the details in the photo are what I’ll rely on to bring your pet to life.

What makes a good photo?
Here are some things I look for in a reference photo:

  • Clear focus: The photo should be in focus, especially around the eyes, which are often the most expressive part of a pet’s face. Blurry or grainy photos make it harder to capture fine details, and as a result, the portrait might lose some of its charm.

  • Good lighting: Natural light works best when photographing pets, as it creates soft shadows and highlights that make the fur textures and facial features more visible. Avoid harsh or direct sunlight, as it can create distracting shadows and wash out details.

  • Angled to show personality: While front-facing photos are often great for symmetry, I love to work with photos that show your pet from an angle. A profile shot or one where the pet is looking to the side can often bring out a pet’s personality and create a more dynamic composition.

  • Expression: A good reference photo should capture the unique expression or energy of your pet. Whether they’re playful, relaxed, curious, or regal, I aim to reflect these qualities in the final portrait. If you have multiple photos, feel free to send them my way—I can combine different elements from several images to create a more compelling, personalized portrait.

Step 2: Composition and Design

Once we’ve settled on a reference photo, the next step is composition. In my work, I always take time to consider the overall design of the portrait—how the pet will be positioned on the page, what background elements might complement the image, and how to keep the focus on your pet.

Choosing the right background
I can also incorporate elements of the environment that reflect your pet’s personality. For example, if your dog loves running in the park or lounging in your garden, I might add a soft suggestion of grass or flowers behind them. I usually aim for subtlety, ensuring the background doesn’t overwhelm the portrait itself.

Sizing and framing
I always talk to my clients about the intended size of the portrait, as this will influence the amount of detail I can add. For example, larger portraits allow for more intricate fur textures, while smaller pieces might focus on just the head and upper body, with a tighter crop to create impact.

Step 3: Sketching and Outlining

Once the composition is decided, I create a grid line so that I can begin sketching the correct proportions. This is where I establish the main shapes and proportions of your pet. I work carefully to make sure everything is correctly placed before I begin adding any colour or details.

At this stage, I focus on getting the basic outline right, mapping out where the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth will go. This is crucial, as the symmetry and proportion of these features are what create a natural and lifelike likeness. I don’t rush this phase—it’s all about building a strong foundation for the portrait.

Step 4: Layering with Pastels

The most exciting part of the process comes when I start layering in the pastels. I use a variety of soft pastel pencils to add rich colours to the fur, eyes, and other details. Pastels allow me to create a wide range of textures—from the soft, velvety look of a cat’s coat to the wiry fur of a terrier.

Building up layers
I work in layers, starting with a base layer of colour and then adding progressively more detail. Each layer is blended using a combination of tools like blending stumps, soft cloths, and even my fingers to smooth and soften the transitions between different shades. Pastels are a versatile medium, allowing me to create subtle gradients and build depth, so I can give the portrait a realistic, three-dimensional look.

Paying attention to the eyes
The eyes are often the most important part of any portrait. I take special care to get the right highlights and shadows around the eyes to make them appear alive and full of expression. I also pay close attention to the iris, pupils, and even the tiny reflections that bring an animal’s eyes to life.

Step 5: Adding Final Details

Once the fur texture and main features are in place, I focus on adding the fine details that really make the portrait stand out. This includes things like individual fur strands, whiskers, or the subtle folds and creases around the pet’s mouth and eyes. I also focus on light and shadow to make sure that the portrait looks natural and three-dimensional.

This is also the stage where I step back and assess the overall balance of the piece. I make sure the proportions are accurate, that the lighting is consistent, and that every detail reflects the pet’s unique appearance and character.

Step 6: The Finishing Touches

Finally, once everything is complete, I add the finishing touches—small highlights, adjustments to contrast, and any final corrections. This is the moment where the portrait truly comes to life, and I step back to admire the results. I’ll often photograph the piece before it’s framed to make sure it looks just as good in the photos as it does in person.

Once the portrait is dry (pastels take a bit of time to set), I will carefully spray it with a protective fixative to prevent smudging and ensure longevity. Then, depending on your preference, I can frame it for you or simply package it up for delivery.

Capturing a Pet’s Personality

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is capturing a pet’s personality. As I work on each portrait, I always think about the little quirks and expressions that make your pet truly them. Whether it's a cat’s lazy gaze, a dog’s playful stance, or the way a rabbit’s ears flop, my goal is to encapsulate more than just the physical likeness—I want the portrait to evoke emotion and remind you of the bond you share with your pet.

Why Commission a Pet Portrait?

Now that you have a sense of what goes into creating a pet portrait, you might be wondering, Why commission one? A custom pet portrait isn’t just a piece of art; it’s a tribute to the special bond you share with your pet. Whether you’re commemorating a pet who’s no longer with you, celebrating a new addition to your family, or simply looking to capture a beloved companion in a timeless form, a custom portrait can bring your memories to life in a way that photographs alone often can’t.

I hope this post has given you a better understanding of the process behind creating a pet portrait in pastel pencils and graphite. If you’re interested in commissioning your own pet portrait, feel free to get in touch—I’d love to help you create a lasting memory of your furry (or feathered) friend.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to working with you!

You can get in touch with me here

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