Behind the Scenes with Jeb

Jeb's original photo

Thought I'd share with you some photos I took during the process of Jeb's portrait.

First, I schedule a photo shoot with his "Mom"; I download the photos to my laptop, and we select the one for his portrait then and there.

Then, I choose a paper.  I chose this Richeson board because I thought it went well with his ears :)  Then I sketch him out in charcoal and begin the all important eyes.  If the eyes aren't right, nothing else matters in a portrait, in my humble opinion. :)

I start playing with colors now....trying on different values and intensities...I really kinda like it loose like this and might stay with this look, but clients like a finished portrait!

Here is a deciding place about the background...I wanted it darker to contrast with his light fur, and cooler to bring out his warmth.  Not too blue as the white is cool already so I kept with purples....when in doubt, purple is always your friend!  And fitting for a King Cavalier Spaniel!

As you've seen before....the finished portrait...I mixed blue and purple as blue compliments the orange in his ears and purple for more interest.

Thanks for reading my blog.

Kim