Choose a medium and style for your pet portrait
If you're wondering which medium or style of portrait to order, the tips below should help you decide. If you're still unsure I'm very happy to help you made a decision, perhaps based on the size of portrait you'd like and the colours of your pet's coat. Feel free to contact me for a chat.
Graphite (pencil) portraits have a classical look and suit pets with interesting markings or contrasting shades. A graphite portrait will go with any decor or wall colour. I will need a clear, detailed, high resolution photograph.
Charcoal portraits are just as striking as those in graphite though they tend to be more 'broad brush' and less detailed. They suit larger portraits than those in pencil and produce a softer look.
Pastel portraits are for those who want colour! Those on pastel paper can depict a high level of detail, while those on velour paper are more dreamy and soft-looking with less detail (as in the cat portrait two images down). I find that pet portraits look best with a plain background. You can choose between leaving the paper colour as the background, a plain coloured pastel background (as below) or a simple drawn background - as with the blanket in this cat portrait. I'm happy to advise you if you wish.
This is an example of a pastel portrait on paper with a simple coloured background. I choose a background colour that complements your pet's colouring.
This is an example of a pastel portrait on velour paper - soft and dreamy!
Acrylic on canvas portraits are a good choice for you if you prefer a more impressionistic art style, as opposed to a traditional likeness. You will still know it's your pet but the colours used may be imaginative or exaggerated and the image is depicted in a lively, painterly style. In other words, there is a bit of artistic interpretation involved! But for those who love art, this may be the best choice of portrait. A canvas does not require framing - it comes to you wired and ready to hang on the wall.