Teddy and Beth

Smiley Beth on the left and Teddy on the right

I lived with Teddy and Beth for a couple of years. True to the lovely nature of the Labrador, they got on just fine with my 3 hounds, although there was always competition for space on the bed. Four Labs, a Jack Russell and two sleeping humans just didn't fit!

Teddy was the scariest dog on the block and alerted us to would-be burglars one night - we knew not to open the door because he was doing his most ferocious I-WILL-EAT-YOU-IF-YOU-COME-THROUGH-THIS-DOOR routine.

Gentle and kind with the kids, they are best friends to Charlotte and Devon.

 

Eddie & Knut

I'd almost forgotten to post these.

Eddie and Knut's portrait is finished and ready to be sent to Johannesburg via courier. Eddie is known for his eccentric behaviour and is often the topic of conversation around the dinner table. Knut is named after the polar bear who captivated the world. 

Knut the polar bear

This pair traveled to St Kitts with their mom Janet when she spent some time working there. 

I love the idea of sending a portrait off in a mount frame - it looks more finished and professional. I think I'm going to be exploring that option more this year.

Shepherds are one of my favourite breeds to draw, despite the fact they take much longer than almost any other breed of dog. Their coats offer up a challenge of individually coloured hairs that create their unique colouring.

Knut the sweet German Shepherd

Eddie... and Knut

How cute is Eddie? He's the one on the left and that's his buddy Knut on the right. 

This is his photo below, the one above was taken at an angle, but you can see the 

likeness, right? I'm really enjoying this portait. It' s a gift for a friend and not a typical size that I do - it's much smaller than normal. Loving all the compact detail, 

can't wait to finish it off.

Goldie, Gypsy and Shadow

Finally, Goldie (top), Gypsy and Shadow's portraits are done.

You can read more about them here.

Some of the pics I used as reference photos for these portraits. 

Chyenoa chose the setting from an earlier portrait I did.

  

A beautiful Shepherd called Luke

Growing up, all I wanted to do was draw well. I dreamt of spending my time drawing horses, my favourite subject. I had no idea that in creating a picture for a client, I would be giving them so much more than just a picture.


I'm honoured and filled with gratitude that I can create something which evokes a response like this one:


Hey Col, my dad was in tears this morning when we gave him his gift ... guess its still pretty recent that we lost Luke, but he thought the portrait was beautiful! Tks so much!!!

A portait of an animal you have a connection with is like a bridge between the two of you. It's a tangible token across time and space linking two souls for eternity.

A Staffie called Zeus

Another of Belinda de Bruin's much loved dogs, Zeus, the Staffie.

Nugget

This is Nugget, he lived with and was loved by Belinda de Bruin.  She has been the most awesome client over the years. I enjoy drawing  her portraits – I can feel the love oozing from her subjects, no matter whether cat, dog or horse!

I haven't had much time to draw this year, so I loved settling down to this portrait. I have missed drawing!