Pet Portrait Gallery

Process for watercolour portraits:

I begin with the reference photos and sketching out a composition that I feel will have the best impact and be most pleasing to the eye. I then establish form and tone by using watercolour in a loose way with a wet brush, letting the paint have a life of it's own.

I then use a dryer brush to begin to build up layers in order to capture the specific texture of the pet's fur and to add detail. Finally, finishing touches are carefully added such as whiskers or the glint of an eye.