Several weeks ago, I drove to Boyd, WI to drop off a colored pencil portrait of a black lab for a client. When I went to knock on the door, I was surprised to see a complete stranger standing in front of me. For a second, I thought I had the wrong house!
It turned out, the lady standing in front of me was to be my next client. She was a friend of the lady whose black lab (and blue merle) I had drawn. After we were introduced and having seen that drawing, she wanted one done of her dog, too.
So here it is: This is “Sydney,” her golden retriever, a drawing in memory of her. 16 x 20, colored pencil on paper. I also included a couple in progress shots as well. I used to do colored pencil drawings all the time back in high school–it’s nice going back to my roots!
“Sydney” In progress–sketch
I start off with a regular No.2 graphite pencil, and then fill in key areas of contrast with a sepia tone colored pencil. The key is to keep the tip very sharp!
“Sydney” In Progress, 30% complete
Then I work my way left to right, starting with cooler, darker tones, and finishing with warmer, lighter tones. Working from left to right keeps what I’ve already drawn from smudging.
“Sydney”, 16 x 20 colored pencil pet portrait by artist Matt Philleo
And here is the final portrait. I dropped it off right before Christmas–my client was happy and told me it looked just like her. Let me know if you’d like a pet portrait done too, or know someone who does!
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