Why Pastel Pencils are Ideal for Pet Portraits

"Why work in pastel pencils not paint?"

I've been asked this question before. It's such a personal choice for each artist that it can actually be quite difficult to answer!

I've always been more connected to drawing over painting. For me, I can control the pastel pencil with more precision than I could a paintbrush. Since a young age, I've loved creating detailed artwork. I think it's this level of detail that really allows the personality of your pet to come to life in one of my drawings.

This, combined with how easily pastel pencils blend, creates the perfect formula for me. I can build layers of colour of your pet's fur and then add in subtle details on top of this. It really is the sparkle in your pet's eyes that makes a world of difference to making the portrait feel more alive.

Pets have such distinct textures to their fur and feathers, and pastel pencils are perfect for mimicking that softness. The fine points of the pencils give me the control I need to capture delicate details, while the broader strokes help me build up layers of fur. 

For me, pastels are more than just a medium, they’re a tool that helps me convey the personality of your pet. Every pet has such a unique character and I love to capture this in my drawings! 

If you’re interested in having your pet’s personality captured in a vibrant, detailed pastel portrait, I’d love to work with you! Please feel free to reach out with your questions here.