When I create a custom portrait for someone, I first give them a “concept design”. This is the proposal for the basic structure of the painting to see if they like my idea.
I combine pictures of their animal with whimsical elements that are symbolic to the owner.
Recently, I moved to creating these concept sketches digitally, which makes the process much quicker and more fluid.
For Stella’s concept, I decided to record my screen as I did it so you could see the process!
The original digital drawing took me about an hour and a half to do, but I’ve time lapsed the video down to just under two and a half minutes.
As you can see, it starts out a little questionable and requires lots of layers. The technique of laying down color is actually pretty similar to painting in oils or acrylics.
I had a lot of fun with this one and can’t wait to do the actual painting!
If you enjoyed this, please share it!
If you’d like to commission a pet portrait (or other painting), you can find more info here.
♥
That’s so cool Darcy! I didn’t realize you do the digital drawings first! I bet that really helps to get you started on the right path for not only you but the customer too! Love you!
Yes, it really does! Thanks, Maria! Love you too! ;*