Graphite Pencil Pet Portraits
Included here is a selection of the Pet Portraits I have completed of dogs, cats and horses in Graphite Pencil. A Pet Portrait makes a very special gift and is an extremely personal way of remembering a much loved pet.
To view the Pet Portraits, click on the thumbnails below and you will be taken to the pet's personal portrait page. This includes a large image of the completed portrait, the reference photo and work in progress photographs if available.
Why choose graphite pencil?
Graphite pencil is my favourite medium. I love the way I can depict texture and tone to create an two-dimensional drawing that looks three-dimensional. By using a sharp pencil I can pick out individual strands of fur and flecks in the eyes to make them look alive. Alternatively I can use softer, broader strokes to create a looser, sketchy style for a softer portrait. I particularly enjoy drawing black dogs in graphite, the range of shades between the white of the paper and the darkest black of an 8b pencil means I can produce fantastic shadows and highlights to accurately depict your pet's features.
I use Derwent graphic sketching pencils, ranging from the relatively hard 2B to the very soft, black 8B to ensure the widest range of tones are used. I use smooth surface cartridge paper that is acid free. I find this surface suits the style of my drawing allowing for fine detail without showing the 'tooth' of the paper.
Your portrait will be posted to you wrapped in acid free tissue paper, then in a cellophane bag, before being secured inside a postage tube. When you receive your portrait you will need to frame it under glass. You can get this done by a professional framer, or purchase ready made frames. All my standard portrait sizes fit readily available standard frames.
If you are unsure which medium to have your portrait in, do not hesitate to contact me. I can even do a small sample to help you decide.
Date last updated: 14th January 2006
