A look at Pet Portrait Styles

cat looking sideways

When you first think about getting a portrait of your special pet, there are a few decisions to make.

The first one is to consider the style of portrait.

Are you thinking of a realistic style (which is what I offer with my pastel pencil portraits), a digital portrait, a pop art style or an impressionistic one?

While this may sound confusing and overwhelming, I hope to explain each style for you.

 

THE REALISTIC PORTRAIT

This is my style, and my aim is to capture the details of the pet accurately. I think that sums it up quite well. It’s a life-like depiction of the pet in terms of colour, fur texture, eye colour and all the special elements that make your pet unique. It can also capture the personality of the pet through expressions and of course, the eyes, which really do make the portrait come alive.

An example of a realistic artwork is shown below (left).

                         

THE DIGITAL PORTRAIT

This style is quite popular lately and mostly ordered through websites. This portrait is based on one photo and creates a clean, modern look using computer software and they are very affordable. An example is shown above. I think these are really fun pieces that add happiness to a room!

 

THE POP-ART PORTRAIT

These are very fun, vibrant and full of colour. They can be likened to Andy Warhol’s bold style or a comic book style which captures the colours and spirit of your pet. They can be painted on canvas or produced digitally. The comic book style often has outlines and distinct areas of colour.

              

 

THE IMPRESSIONISTIC PORTRAIT

This style is generally painted on canvas in either oils or acrylics and really aims to depict the personality of the pet, rather than every little detail.  The brushwork is quite ‘loose’ and gives a general sense of a mood.

HOW TO CHOOSE???

It’s not always easy to choose a style, particularly when you invest money into an artwork you will be looking at every day!

Consider which style suits your pet. A regal and sophisticated cat might be suited to a realistic style, whereas the energetic dog may be best encapsulated in a digital or comic book style piece.

Also think about your home décor and which style best fits. Most likely you will be drawn to a particular style just by looking at examples, and that will probably be the one to choose.

If you’re ready for your very own custom pet portrait, look for artists that work in the style you’ve chosen. Look at their previous work and ask lots of questions!

Of course, if you’d like a realistic portrait, get in touch with me!!!

 

ALL IMAGES SOURCED FROM AI SCRIBBLES AND ARE FREE TO DOWNLOAD.