This pencil portrait of Kate and Peeper dog is a celebration of the relationship between a woman and her dog. The bond shared between a person and their pet is incredible, it is a deep, unconditional love.
Kate – the artist and inspiration
Kate is a fellow Cornish artist and friend of mine. She has a wonderfully expressive style, capturing animals and local scenes with such life and movement. And more recently has shown herself to also be a skilled entrepreneur, running the fabulous Flotsam Flo. Flotsam Flo repurpose materials that are hard to recycle into practical, joyous and always colourful new items, spreading happiness whilst supporting the environment.
People and their pets
I have had in mind that I would like to draw a series of portraits of people and their pets. This was inspired by both my own love of the animals I have shared my life with, and the gorgeous commission of Matthew and Rusty from last year.
Kate generously agreed for me to reference a photograph of her and her beloved Jack Russell, Peeper dog. This drawing captures so much of their relationship, that companionship of individuals moving through life together.
Very sadly, whilst I was drawing this portrait, Peeper was suddenly taken ill and died. Of course Kate was devastated, and we found that this memory of them both together took on an even greater meaning. I hope that is goes some way to honouring Peeper’s life, and recognising the years of adventures they had together.
A portrait in pencil
I chose pencil for this portrait as the simplicity of monochrome felt right for the feeling that I wanted to convey. When you strip back the colour, the subtleties of shapes and shadows can be more immediately obvious. I love the timneless quality of black and white. It feels to me with Kate and Peeper, as if we are witnessing a moment frozen, where right now, nothing else exists beyond this woman and her dog.
It was technically more challenging drawing this portrait in pencil rather than in colour, as Kate’s blonde hair would have been simpler to convey with hues of yellow and brown. However I choose to keep challenging myself, ensuring I develop and grow as an artist with every artwork I create.
The potential of pencil
Pencil was the first medium I used for portraiture, and will always be my favourite. The simplicity of a few pencils, an eraser and a sheet of paper is hard to beat. And as my work shows, pencil should not be underestimated. Humble it may be, but the potential for depth and texture is remarkable.
For instance, compare the softness of sweet baby Connie with the aged and wrinkled skin in A Lifetime of Laughter.
Or the variety of textures rendered in the fur, water and rocks of Amur Leopard.
And the depth of shine on the leather shoes contrasted with the bleached white fabric in the bright sunshine in Kirk Family. I am passionate about pencil and portraiture, and am so glad to be able to showcase it through my art.
These are just a few of the many pencil portraits in my gallery, accompanied by works in both pastel and coloured pencil. Each medium has its own unique qualities, and they all bring a wonderful variety of ways of working to my drawing board.
Dogs, dogs and more dogs
And if Peeper has left you wanting more dogs as the stars of pencil portraits, you will also love Bonnie, Lula, Rosy and Koda.
Commission a portrait to celebrate your love of a pet
If you have not commissioned a portrait from me before, you may like an idea of what is involved before taking the next step. So for the curious amongst you I have written a guide to commissions which outlines all you need to know.
I am always happy to discuss any ideas you may have, and answer any questions. You can message me through my contact page, or call, text or WhatsApp on 07967 416072.
