Help Betsy Campaign - pastel portrait work in progress

I have now started working on the portrait of cat 'Betsy'. If you are not familiar with Betsy and her story, please check out the following blog post:

http://www.finepetportraits.co.uk/2008/07/kitten-to-cat-help-betsy-campaign.html

So I am painting a pastel portrait of Betsy in order to support this campaign. I've already spent several hours on the painting and I think it's coming along nicely.

Here's a scan of the outline:

I chose coloured paper because I think it'll make Betsy's special colours and markings stand out. I started with Betsy's eyes, added the first layer of white and am now in the process of blocking in the darker areas. I'll post more scans soon so watch this space!

Equine watercolour head portrait

Here's another equine watercolour. I have to say watercolours are fun! I like the more painterly effect and enjoyed painting this beautiful chap. The title is 'Waiting' as the pony was just waiting to be taken onto the pitch. Size is A4. I think there'll be loads of watercolours to follow... ;o)

Later today I'll try and finish the pastel of the young woman and her horse and work some more on the poodle. Plus I've got several cat commissions lined up. Phew! ;o)

Progress on Dutch Warmblood

I have made some progress on the Dutch Warmblood mare. My scanner seems to find it hard to blend the colours - the way they are on the original - and over-emphasises shades of 'orange' and 'red'. Anyhow, I am quite happy with how the original has turned out so far and will now move on to the second head study. I'll spend some more time on this one once I've done the background, which will be a light beige.

Progress on the horse portrait

I made some progress on the 'large' head study today and thought I'd show you. Hope you won't get bored...but it does already look like my horse...my friend of so many years. Boy do I miss him...

New commission started - Boxer dog

I've put my horse's character study to one side for the moment and started my latest commission - the head study of a Boxer dog called 'Gina'. Sadly Gina passed away just before Christmas and is sorely missed. Gina will be drawn in pastels.

Shetland pony portrait started

Despite the lovely sunshine which made me want to go for a loooooooong walk today, I started working on the head study of a black Shetland pony mare called "Lisa". No charcaol this time - this one is being drawn in pastels.
If you look at the scan, you can see that drawing a black animal doesn't just mean using a black pencil. Far from it! You will only achieve a rich black if you apply lots of layers, starting with purple or blue.

Budgies finished and horse portrait started

This budgie portrait is finished as well now and the client is over the moon with it.

So I have been able to start another equestrian charcoal portrait:
The head study of a beautiful Spanish P.R.E. stallion, "P.R.E." meaning "Pura Raza Espanola" - the pure Spanish breed. They are such majestic horses and again, I am lucky enough to be allowed to choose one of Juliana Meyer's magnificent photos as my reference.

This is the pencil draft:

I'm looking forward to working on it some more tomorrow, after updating my websites.