BEHIND THE ARTWORK
Marley’s Portrait — Capturing Character in Coloured Pencil
PET PORTRAIT STORIES
Marley’s Portrait is a personal pet portrait created in coloured pencil, built slowly from a light outline into a finished drawing full of character, softness and detail.
This Behind the Artwork story follows the portrait from the first marks around the eyes and nose through to the final layers of fur, expression and personality.
"It's not just about capturing how they look, it's about capturing who they are"
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1
STARTING WITH HIS EXPRESSION
I always begin a pet portrait with the eyes and nose. This is where a character lives, and getting this right early on helps everything else fall into place.
Light layers of coloured pencil build the shape and soft tones.
2
BUILDING THE FACE
Layer by layer, the contrast and colour begin to build. I use a range of warm and cool tones to create depth in the black fur and softness in the white.
Patience is key - coloured pencil is all about building up gradually, one layer at a time.
3
CAPTURING SOFTNESS & CHARACTER
As the portrait develops, Marley's personality starts to shine through.
Including his favourite toy adds a personal touch and tells a little story about who he is.
4
REFINING THE DETAILS
I focus on the smaller details - individual strands of fur, soft whiskers and the sparkle in the eyes.
These final layers bring the portrait to life and create a real sense of depth.
5
THE FINISHED PORTRAIT
The finished portrait is more than just a likeness - it's a memory, a connection and a celebration of a much-loved companion.
Every pet has their own story, and it's a privilege to help capture that in a drawing they can be remembered by for years to come.
Interested in a pet portrait of your own?
Each portrait is created with care, patience and attention to detail.
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