Portraits That Bite

Pastel portrait commission!

2012-01-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

Graham, Jack, Sophie and Fergus

This 70 x 50 cm pastel commission was a christmas gift.
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Gus Pastel Dog Portrait Commission

2011-11-30T17:00:00.001-08:00

Here is a pastel portrait of Gus a beautiful Golden Retriever playing with his bowl.

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Australian Artist!

2011-08-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

Just had an article "The Art of Using Colour" published in the September issue of Australian Artist magazine. Thrilled! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pastel Portrait Commission of Baby

2011-08-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a pastel commission I have just finished of a baby named Craig. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Molly is finished

2011-07-18T22:48:00.001-07:00

Molly Pastel Portrait is now finished and off to the framer. Paw prints were a bit of a challenge but I think she looks quite regal on her favourite chair. My next commission is of a baby boy which I will eventually post here as well. My pastel art classes are going well and the students are already producing wonderful artworks. You can check out their progress on my art class blog here artclassesbrisbane.blogspot.com. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Molly Bassett Hound Pastel Portrait Commission

2011-06-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here is the commission I am currently working on. Molly is a Bassett Hound and I think she is going to look quite regal on her favourite red chair. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pet Portrait Commission

2011-06-27T00:09:00.000-07:00

Here is 'Max" a pastel portrait commission I have just completed. My next commission I have already started and will post here as soon as i have something worthwhile to show. It is a portrait of a lovely Bassett Hound called Molly.
If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Art Class Display

2011-06-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Very exciting to have a display of my artworks in the window of Riot Art and Craft to promote my Art Classes here in Jindalee Brisbane. Riot Art and Craft benefit as well as my students are already buying art materials from their store. Also had a banner made to advertise my classes. Hope it doesn't blow away in these westerly winds!

Display ar Riot Art and Craft

Brisbane Art Classes

2011-06-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Pastel Art Classes have been running on Tuesday mornings for three weeks now. I look forward to seeing my students every week. I plan to run classes on Friday mornings for acrylic and oil painters. So much fun!

Also nearly completed the portrait of the German Short Haired Pointer. I don't think I can post it here safely as it is to be given as a gift. Soon will begin the Bassett Hound commission and I think I should be able to post a WIP of that one. Also can't wait to get back to the Acrylic of the yachts but no time yet.

Art Classes

2011-05-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

Work in Progress!

Pastel Art Classes began last Tuesday from Jindalee Girl Guide Hall and I am beginning work on two new commissions this week, a Bassett Hound and a German Short Haired Pointer. Also trying to finish the acrylic yacht painting. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pastel off to the framer!

2011-04-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Mill Bay, Tasmania

The pastel here is one I started months ago and have only just finished this morning and taken off to the framer. I love reflections on water! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pastel Art Classes for Adults

2011-04-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

My Pastel Art Classes are scheduled to begin after Easter in Jindalee. Clear instructions will be given to students as they are guided in creating a portrait of their pet or an animal of their choice. Students will then be encouraged to work on a painting of their choice. The classes will be run weekly and are small (8 to 10 students) ensuring individual attention.

Pastel Pet Portrait

Art Classes

2011-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

I will be running weekly Art Classes from the Jindalee Girl Guide Hall from Term 2 as well as conducting a pastel workshop at Lilly Lee Gallery in Sherwood sometime in May. For more information see http://www.sallymcleanartist.com.au/Art-Classes-pg16493.html

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Spinnakers

2011-03-20T23:10:00.000-07:00

Spinnakers 1

Spinnakers 2

Spinnakers 3

Spinnakers 4

Fun playing with acrylic paint again today. It is very humid here at the moment and I am having trouble being patient enough to let the paint dry between layers. Maybe I will use the hair dryer to speed things up a bit tomorrow. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

At the easel!

2011-03-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

Blue Acrylic wash ready for yacht overlay.

Acrylics are fun! I have never thought this in the past because I am used to the slow controlled creamy consistancy of oil paints but with the unlocking formuler and retarders available in the Atelier interactive range of acrylic paint I am now in control and having fun. I have tried all this before but I think I have nailed it this time. All I have done so far is a blue wash over which I plan to paint a couple of yachts flying spinnakers.

I am also begining a pastel of a cat and an oil of a crocodile eye to add to my Biodiversity work. The pastel cat eye shown above is part of a 50x50cm head. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Back to the easel!!

2011-03-09T21:33:00.001-08:00

What this space!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pastel Art Classes with Sally McLean

2011-02-15T03:07:00.000-08:00

I will be offering art classes in Brisbane soon! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shitzu Poodle Portrait Finished

2010-12-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

I finished the pastel pet portrait of the Shitzu Poodle today. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shitzu Poodle Cross Commission

2010-12-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have done so far on this Pastel Pet Portrait commission which is to be a Christmas gift. (I have learned that it is safe to post it here.) Still a long way to go but she really is beginning to come to life now.

I have worked a fair bit on the mouth eyes and nose and I am still applying darks on the fur before whites go over the top. You will see allot of different colours at the moment such as greens, blues and purples. Some of these colours will show in the finished portrait but they will not be so obvious. My camera has not captured the true colour of the background again but it is a lighter warmer wheat colour.

I have modified the the shape of the ear but I will probably adjust it a little more before completion.

Christmas Commission!

2010-12-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

I have just begun a pastel dog portrait commission which is to be a gift so I am unable to post photographs at this stage. The dog is a Shitzu Miniture Poodle cross. Really cute with slight caramel colouring on the ears and around the nose and mouth. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Zoo Visit

2010-11-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sooo cute baby wombat!!

I recently visited Australia Zoo solely to photograph animals to use as reference for my art. I was particularly interested in photographing the Sumatran tigers and was disappointed that I was only able to photograph them through glass. My best photos were of the elephants, wombats (so cute I would love to adopt one) and cassowaries. I am still working on a collection of pastel works themed boats, pelicans and water which I hope to exhibit next year. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Oscar and Pearl Pet Portrait Commission

2010-09-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Oscar and Pearl pastel portrait 50x60cm

Oscar and Pearl Detail

I am back from my holiday at the beach and the Oscar and Pearl pastel portrait has been presented to the client so I can now post it in full. Oscar is a Maltese Shitzu and Pearl is a Maltese Poodle. I think these breeds are sometimes referred to as designer dogs. Osacr very sadly passed away at only six years old and his family now have the very beautiful Pearl. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Portrait Complete and off to the beach!

2010-09-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

I finished the dog portrait a week ago, collected it yesterday from the framer and delivered it to the client. It will be presented as a gift on Sunday the 19th so until then I can only post a tiny little detail of it to keep you all guessing. My husband and I are taking off today to spend a week up at Noosa just reading and relaxing then we are home for a couple of days before sailing around the bay on our boat Lion Rampant. I hope to have lots of time to practice my watercolour and to take some reference photos as well. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Horse and Rider Commission

2010-08-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Duchess and Melissa Pastel Portrait Detail

Duchess and Melissa (Pastel Portrait 60x70cm)

Early this year I was working on a commission which was to be a Birthday surprise gift and I have been unable to post it on the web until now because the gift was given last Saturday. The horse is Duchess and her rider is Melissa of Westbury, Tasmania, Australia. Duchess (a very special family member) is an ex-race horse who was re-trained to show jump when her racing career ended. She now has an ongoing foot injury and is no longer able to jump or be ridden anymore so this portrait was commissioned so that Melissa would have a lasting memory of show jumping and riding with Duchess.
I have just begun another commission today of two georgeous little dogs but this also is to be a surprise gift in September so again I cannot post it here yet.If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Studio Update

2010-08-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

The top painting on the easel is a pastel I am re-doing and the paintings below are my first watercolour attempts. I have a way to go yet!

Just keeping you up-to-date with my studio activities. I am really enjoying weekly watercolour classes with artist Maria Field. Watercolour is so different to oil and pastel painting as rather than going from dark to light you work from light to dark. I am also currently studying a course in Workplace Assessment and Training. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Update! What I am Up To!

2010-06-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

I am not doing nothing! I am currently doing some study as well as watercolour classes and pastel boat paintings. My pastel "Gilded Quills was recently a finalist in the Lethbridge Gallery 10000 Exhibition and was sold at the exhibition. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Bighorn Sheep Finished!

2010-05-23T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here is the Bighorn Sheep pastel Portrait finally finished. It has taken way longer than it was meant to due to other activities going on around me at the moment. Thankyou to Gary Kemig for supplying the photo and the challenge to paint this magnificent beast. See Gary's art here http://www.wildernessartchallenge.blogspot.com/ . I now have a boat pastel to start and an exhibition to plan and I will keep you posted on the progress of these. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is w.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Bighorn Sheep WIP 2

2010-05-09T22:54:00.000-07:00

Alot has been happening in the last few weeks so it is only today that I have finally got back to working on this magnificent Bighorn Sheep. Still have along way to go but at least I have now covered all the paper!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

TV Video Clip from Channel 9's Today Show

2010-05-04T23:55:00.000-07:00

Above is a video of me as I appeared last week on Channel 9's Today Show in a segment they did on gifts to Pamper Your Pooch! I have also added it to my website but I have yet to convert it to a format which my website will support. One of those I HATE COMPUTERS moments!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

TV Star!!

2010-04-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

If you are in Australia and watch Channel Nine's "Today Show" at 7:20 am tomorrow morning Friday the 30th you may see me painting in my studio as part of a story about different gifts which are available to dog owners. Hope I do not look too "Dorky". If I like what I see I will include it as a video on my website home page. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Life

2010-04-22T00:03:00.000-07:00

Life in the last week has been a little hectic so I have not done any more on the Bighorn! Monday involved a film shoot for Channel Nines 'Today' Show. They filmed me painting in my studio; interveiwed me and then filmed me and a client receiving her portrait. Let's hope it looks ok when it hits the TV screens!!! I have sent the horse and rider pastel to the client who is very happy and the oil painting of blue heeler maddie is currently at the framers. The rest of this week I have been doing some relief work for a school where students need help with Literacy! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie Finished

2010-04-13T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is Maddie finished unless I have to make any fnal adjustments. I am now going to have a sleep as I welcomed a couple of sailing friends in at the finish of the Solo Trans Tasman Yacht race last night and I have only had two hours sleep. They would be feeling alot more sleep deprived than me however since they have been at sea for just over a week. Bighorn coming up!!If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie WIP 7

2010-04-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

The oil painting pet portrait of Maddie the blue heeler dog is nearly finished. I have to finish her feet when today's paint is dry and I have started the grass around her (not shown here) which I also need to dry before I can add the finishing highlights without the paint turning to 'mud'. I will then go over the completed painting and adjust things until I am satisfied that I can not make further improvements. I will then begin work on the bighorn sheep again to get it finished and start a new pastel of boats. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T22:39:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a very happy Easter holiday break! My husband and I are taking our boat out on the bay for a few days which should be wonderfully peaceful. I might try my hand at watercolour out there. So far I am not happy with my attempts at this medium. I have finished the pastel of the horse and rider but I will not be able to post a picture until August since this is when it is being given as a gift. The recipient is young and computer savy and we do not want to spoil the surprise!! I have been working on the oil pet portrait of Maddie the blue heeler today but I will post a picture late on Tuesday next week when I have more to show. I also plan on doing more work on the Bighorn Sheep but Maddie takes prioity unless I need drying time for the oil painting. I am wanting to enter a few competition/exhibitions and so I will be starting a pastel of boats soon using a reference photo I took in Tasmania last year. There is also a 'Fabulous Fakes' competition which I would be very excited to enter but the exhibition is at The Entrance in NSW and the painting has to be delivered in person so an entry from me may not be practical. I would love to attempt a copy of a Renoir who I think may be my favourite grand master. I love his use of colour!! And lastly we have put our plans on getting a puppy/ies on hold for the moment because the fencing was going to be very pricey and we are away on our boat allot. There are not many places in our sailing neighborhood where you can take a dog ashore for calls of nature!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Bighorn Sheep

2010-03-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a work in progress of the Bighorn Sheep which artist Gary Keimig www.gary-keimig.blogspot.com photographed. He has very kindly challenged his blog visitors to use it as a reference photo for drawing or painting. I could not resist. The pastel is very thin at this stage and as I work over it the colours will become stronger and have more depth. Progress is slow as I am working on commissions at the same time. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie Dog Pet Portrait in Oils WIP 5

2010-03-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here is an update of what I did yesterday. I have done a little more on the mouth; started work on the lighter fur layer (there is more to do here and it will be finer); Worked a little on the feet, the collar, and adjusted the eye. Still work to be done all over especially the sandy coloured fur, the ears, the nose, the eyes, the mouth and the feet. Then of course the grass!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie Pet Portrait WIP 3 and 4

2010-03-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Here is Maddie Dog Pet Portrait in Oils so far. I have really still a long way to go as most of the portrait is still only undercoat. I have also been working on my Bighorn Sheep pastel but I am not ready to post it yet. My Horse and rider commission is approaching completion. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie WIP 2

2010-03-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Here is where I am up to with the oil Dog Pet Portrait of Maddie the Blue Heeler so far. I have given the background a second coat and very roughly underpainted most of Maddie. This underpainting is a guide for when I work over it with the next layers of paint, colour and detail. As I paint I adjust paint colours etc. as I go. The grass around Maddie's feet will be added very last of all. Still working on the Horse and Rider pastel and have begun my pastel of a Bighorn Sheep. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

WIP Update

2010-03-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

Just a short blog to let you all know that although I have no pictures to post today it does not mean that I am not hard at work at my easel!! The pastel of the horse and rider is coming along slowly but nicely. I have a fair bit more to do before it is finished such as the face and bridle of the horse and the rider needs alot more work. I then have to go over the whole portrait adjusting colour and tonal values. Can't wait to show you all my WIP pics at a later date! Today I have given the background of Maddie a final coat of oil paint and this should dry over the weekend and I will then be able to begin work on Maddie herself next week. I am also begining a new pastel which I will post soon. I would also like to add that my husband and I have decided it is time to get another pet and that this time it will be a dog or two dogs which we can take out on our boat. I am doing my homework before plunging in but the breed we are interested in at the moment is Scottish Terrier. We have to have part of our garden fenced off first and then we will have to wait for an available litter at a breeder. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Maddie WIP 1

2010-03-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Here I have just done an undercoat for the background. Once it is dry I will apply another layer before beginning Maddie herself. The colours in this photo appear a little darker than they are actually. Maddie will have undercolour applied before I progressively add layers of detail with drying periods in between. Will be working on the pastel horse and rider commission this afternoon. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Blue Heeler Pet Portrait Commission

2010-03-04T20:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a photograph of Maddie the blue heeler who I will be doing an oil pet portrait of. I have already prepared the canvas and sketched the out line ready to paint in the background. I will be painting in the points of both ears and a grassy surround for her to sit on. I will post a photo of the sketch once I have better light to photograph it as it is dark and rainy today.If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pet Portrait Commission Progress

2010-03-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that I am working on my horse and rider pastel pet portrait at the moment and once the recipient has recieved it I will be able to post all of my work in progress stages. This will not be for a while though. I am also just begining an oil pet portrait of a blue heeler but I do not know as yet whether I can post my WIP here. The canvas is all stretched, primed and ready to go. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smoeky and Twinkels Framed

2010-02-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Smoeky and Twinkels were collected from the framer today and will be delivered to the client tomorrow. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

New Pet Portrait Commission

2010-02-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

I have begun working on a new Pet Portrait commission of a beautiful chesnut horse and his mistress but as it is to be a surprise gift i am unable to post my WIP on the blog or my website just yet. I also recieved a new Dog (Blue Heeler) Pet Portrait commission yesterday which I will be painting in oils starting next week. The image above is an oil of a blue heeler which I painted last year. I will be able to work on the pastel during the drying times of the oil painting. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smoeky and Twinkels Finished

2010-02-16T19:29:00.000-08:00

Smoeky and Twinkels are now finished and at the framer. I would like to share with you their beautiful character profiles which were supplied by their owner.

Smoeky: Smoeky is 9 years old, she is quite a girl and loves to cuddle against you. She loves to "talk" now and then...either just sitting on your lap and staring at you or if you are laying next to her on the carpet she will lay on her side and 'talk'. She is also Twinkels Mom. Smoeky has been very sick over the last two years but has a strong spirit and is doing so much better....:) She is a real fighter! She loves to sleep on her back when she is feeling well. She LOVES food. She is very, very dear and much loved.

Twinkels: Twinkels is 8 years old. Her name tells you allot about her personality.....she shines where ever she goes. She is a fun girl, full of joy and happiness. She is playful and loves a walk....give me some 'excitement' is her way of enjoying life. Twinkels will give her bone back to you for a ride in the car....:) She loves to be with people and will also try to get more attention then her mother. She is a great joy and just as loved.

My next commission is a horse and rider. It is to be a surprise gift so I will have to ask my client if it is safe to post pictures and info on my blog. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smoeky and Twinkels WIP 5

2010-02-11T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here is another update. I still have to do final touch ups; finish their feet and add thier names to the portrait. I should finish early next week and then my next commission is a horse and rider. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smokey and Twinkle WIP 2

2010-02-10T16:10:00.000-08:00

Here is my progress so far. I have yet to add more detail to Twinkle the bottom dog and I have allot more to do on Smokey. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smokey WIP 1

2010-02-07T22:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a very rough begining to Smokey. At the moment it is just undercolour and as I progress adding detail over the top the pastel will become denser and the colours truer. I am sure I can improve on my photography skills as the background colour is actually a light burgundy colour. I am thinking of joining a photography club. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Smokey and Twinkle

2010-02-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

Above is how I am going to layout the portrait of Smokey and Twinkle. It is just their photographs laid out on the paper I will be using. This is always a good way to give an idea of what the portrait will look like when finiished. The background colour chosen is a light burgundy. Today I have sketched the outline and I am almost ready to begin pastel work. The portrait will be 50x60cm. I usually start with the eyes and nose and work out from there working all over on bits that need attention until progressively the portrait reaches completion. Apart from the eyes and nose the portrait just kind of happens! I met two little dogs on the weekend who looked just like Smokey and Twinkle. Their names were Hamish and Angus and they had wandered off from their owner who was most relieved when they turned up safe and sound. I was glad when the owner turned up as they had no phone number on their collars and I did not know what I would have done with them apart from take them home!! They were very sweet. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Australia Day and Next Project

2010-01-29T21:27:00.000-08:00

We have had a National holiday here for Australia Day this week. We spent it out on our boat with friends and had an absolutely awesome day! I am just putting the finishing touches to Cap'n Jack and Mr Sheffield and my next project is a portrait in pastel of two very cute little dogs Smoeky and Twinkles. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Mr Sheffield WIP 2

2010-01-21T19:31:00.000-08:00

Here is an update of Mr Sheffield. He looks a little sad but this is only how he looks in the photo and he is actually quite a happy personality. I still have to finish the chest fur on both cats to my satisfaction; maybe add whiskers (sometimes these are better left out); and play with anything else I am not entirely happy with until I consider it is finished. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Mr Sheffield WIP 1

2010-01-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a WIP of Mr Sheffield. The pastel at this stage is still very thin and I will be adding more layers as I refine various areas of the pastel. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Happy New Year and Back to the Easel!

2010-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas and that the New Year brings good health and prosperity to you all! I have had a wonderful break (cruising around on our boat 'pictured above' which we have just had repainted) and it is now time to return to the studio. I have The Red Boyz to complete then I will be doing a two dog portrait followed by a horse and rider. These are all pastel and in addition I will be slotting in an oil painting of a very cute little pug dog. It is very hot here at the moment so I will be starting early each day at the easel to beat the heat. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Merry Christmas !

2009-12-17T18:23:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my visitors and followers. Stay safe and have a fabulous festive season! I have slowed down alot with my portraiture in the lead up to Christmas because of all the other things I have to get done. I am taking most of January off (away from the easel and the computer) so you will not see me posting much till I get back on January 28. I have to finish Cap'n Jack and Mr Sheffield followed by a two dog portrait which will be followed by a horse and rider portrait. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Cap'n Jack WIP

2009-12-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

Here is Cap'n Jack nearly finished. I just want to alter colours' add contrasts and whiskers and then I am ready to start on Mr Sheffield. I am a little slow a t the moment because of various committments to have finished before Christmas. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Cap'n Jack WIP

2009-11-30T18:12:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest. The colours in the fur are both many and subtle so it is slow painstaking work to get the patterns just right! Photograph is a bit darker than real life. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Red Boyz-Cap'n Jack

2009-11-25T21:03:00.000-08:00

Here is the begining of Cap'n Jack. Undercolour is going on and rather than sketching the complete outline first I am working from the eyes outwards. Please ignore the dark undercolours and the scratchy scribbles and be assured that it all turns out in the end. There is alot of detail and refining to happen yet. And of course the rest of his body and that of Mr Sheffield. The photograph is a little dark because it is cloudy up here. It is going to look stunning on this Terracotta colour! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie Trees and Red Boyz!

2009-11-23T22:46:00.000-08:00

Just thought I should post a final view of Ollie with refined tree background. Ollie is now at the framers. I have just begun sketching out Cap'n Jack and Mr Sheffield the "Red Boyz". They are going to be done in pastel on a terracotta coloured background to enhance their eye colour and fur. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai Framed

2009-10-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

It is always exciting for me to see how a portrait looks once it is framed so I am very grateful to Robyn of Western Australia for sending me this photo of the portrait I did of her dog Shai. The frame is a light bronze/gold/pewter colour chosen to set off Shai's brindle colouring and the matt is off white with an inner mat to match the frame moulding. It looks terrific!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Itching to start a new pastel portrait!!

2009-10-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

Cap'n Jack

Mr Sheffield

I am just tiding up a few loose ends on the Ollie portrait before I move on to my next pastel portrait which is of two absolutely stunning red persians Cap'n Jack and Mr Sheffield. I did a portrait of Jeremiah last year for the same client. Can't wait to get started on all that wonderful red fur!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie Finished!

2009-10-18T23:35:00.000-07:00

Ollie portrait is finally finished. I repainted the tree on the left today as it had been frustrating me for a long time. I now have paintings to finish and more commissions arriving. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie update

2009-10-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a WIP of Ollie. I have been painting the white fur and now need to let certain areas dry before I can paint the dirt she is kicking up as she runs and also put some highlights in the dark fur. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie Update

2009-10-06T22:52:00.001-07:00

These are the best photos I can produce at the moment as the paint is wet and reflective nearly all over the painting today where I have built up paint layers and adjusted tones etc. I haven't even cropped or straightened the picture! But i felt i had not posted for so long you may have been thinking I had stopped painting. Far from it! I will need to wait now until the dark colours are dry berfor i begin work on the white fur and adjust tree tones. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Pastel Workshop Boats and Seascapes

2009-09-24T22:03:00.000-07:00

The above is pastelled using a reference photo I took at Strahan in Tasmainia earlier this year.

The above is copyright to Regina Hona as it was pastelled using her reference photograph.

I have just spent two days doing a pastel workshop with an artist I greatly admire Regina Hona. The theme was seascapes and boats and we did one picture each day. Being a 'boatie' I was really drawn to this workshop. Neither of the pastel pictures shown here is complete but I thought I would post them both anyway. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie Update

2009-09-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on Ollie! I always have trouble taking pictures of wet oil paintings as they reflect so much! I am still not satisfied with the background and I need to finish the bark on the tree at the right. Ollie herself is only undercolour at this stage with nothing complete. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Weekend Bliss!

2009-09-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

This is where I was on the weekend. Guess what sort of weekend I had! Yes it was wonderful or you could say out of this world! My husband and I sailed our small yacht (30') to a local island and climbed a huge sand hill to take this photograph! I am still painting Ollie and should be able to post a photo once this layer is dry. I have not started Ollie herself yet though. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie

2009-09-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here is what I have done so far on Ollie. Alot of what you see is either not finalised or is still undercolour. Once I have completed the background I will begin work on Ollie herself. The colours are not completely true to the picture in real life as I have difficulty photographing wet, shiney oil paintings. I will continue to work on Le Tour during Ollie drying times. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Le Tour

2009-09-04T00:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a few WIPs of Le Tour which I have been working on whilst Ollie dries between layers. I am very pleased by the way it is going. I have photographed Ollie but because the paint is wet and shiney in some areas it has not photographed well so I will try again on Monday when it is drier. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Computer Crash GRRRRR!

2009-08-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hello! I won't be able to post an update of Ollie's portrait until I get my computer back hopefully by the end of the week. It started to freeze on me last week and by Monday morning it actually refused to turn on so I am currently using our server. So far I have been working on the background of the portrait. Most work has been done on the blurred bushes and I will then work on the the foreground, then the two large trees and lastly Ollie herself. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ollie Commission

2009-08-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hello! Here is a picture of my next subject 'Ollie'. She is a Border Collie and I am going to paint a 50x75cm oil painting of her with a full background. This great action shot was taken by her owner. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai Finished

2009-08-19T23:49:00.000-07:00

Here is Shai all finished. I found getting her fur just right was a bit tricky but I think I have achieved a brindle effect. The other challenge was working from a photo which had an ear missing as well as some of the chest fur. I used a combination of photos to put the portrait together. My next commission is an oil of a Border Collie named Ollie. I should be starting this as soon as I have prepared the canvas early next week. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai Update 2

2009-08-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have done a bit more to facial fur, mouth and body here. I still have allot to do all over particularly the mouth, nose, right eye and body fur. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai Update

2009-08-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

Shai Step 1

Here is the portrait to date. As you can see I am using a different photo to the one originally posted. I believe the one chosen here shows Shai from a better angle as you can see the shape of her profile. I work mostly from dark colours to light so the portrait when finished will be lighter than this. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai

2009-08-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have started Shai and now that the composition and layout are finished I can begin the pastel work. I will post a picture of what I have done by the end of Thursday. Tomorrow, Wednesday is a public holiday here so I will be sailing with my husband. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Le Tour Stages 2 & 3

2009-08-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

Step 3

Step 2

Here is the beginings of glaze application. I have to keep reminding myself that a painting is never 'stuffed' it is just not finished! My intention is to apply many layers of glazes until I have great depth of colour. I now have a pretty good idea of what is going to work and what will not. There will be different shapes overlapping and the over colour effect is not going to be as it appears now! Just keeping you guessing!! 'Phew' I can hear you saying. Yes I hate that green!! I probably will not have time now to do more until I have finished the portrait of Shai. I have bought materials today ready to begin Shai on Monday. Also been busy purchasing food etc for my daughter's 21st tomorrow. No time to pick up a paint brush except when I was a t the art supply shop!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Shai Pastel Commission

2009-08-05T23:23:00.000-07:00

I have just recieved a new commission to do a pastel portrait of a beautiful Staffy named Shai. She is pictured above although this may not be the pose I will use. I will be starting it on Monday so you will be able to follow my work in progress here on the blog. I have also worked out how to tackle Le Tour and will post what I ahve done so far tomorrow. I will be putting Le Tour aside temporarily from Monday whilst I am doing the portrait of Shai. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Le Tour Step 1

2009-08-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Here I have sketched the cyclists onto the canvas. Having thought about how I am going to tackle this painting I have decided to make it a Mixed Media. I intend to use Acrylic glazes first to indicate the movement and speed of the cyclists followed by oil for the cyclists themselves and the add a bit of oil glazing if needed. A bit experimental but we will see how it goes!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Le Tour?

2009-07-29T23:30:00.001-07:00

Here is a 'Rough as guts' idea or concept plan of my next painting. I hope I am up to it!! It will be oil on canvas 48x24inches. The next step is to prepare the canvas. (I have the frame together already to stretch the canvas over.) Then after priming the canvas I will sketch the drawing up roughly before I begin the background in paint. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Frisky!

2009-07-26T15:31:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Frisky our very special friend and companion passed away on Saturday. He was 11 years old and became ill suddenly due to kidney failure. He had not touched food or water for days when the vet and I decided that it would be kindest to euthanise him. Heart wrenching is an understatement. Frisky was extraordinary; having lots of character he would sit at the top of the driveway waiting for us to come home just as a dog would; he played games like hide and seek with my husband; and he was very affectionate and loving, curling up with us to watch TV and sleeping on our bed during the night. He is a huge loss.

On a brighter note my husband and I sailed in a race to raise money for breast cancer awareness yesterday and had a much needed very happy day! I think my next work will be cyclists inspired by the Tour de France which we watch every year without fail. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ruby Tuesday Finished

2009-07-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

Ruby Tuesday is finished. Didn't have to do many touch ups so you probably won't be able to see any difference. Frisky my cat is unwell-he is not eating or drinking and vomits alot. I took him to vet yesterday but these things are hard to diagnose so we are hoping it is just a bout of gastro and not kidney failure. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ruby Tuesday Update

2009-07-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest stage of Ruby Tuesday. I have completed the fringe and the eye and I am nearly satisfied with the mane. I need to add more tones to ears and mane. I intend going over the whole portrait doing small touch ups then adding the name and signing it. Should be complete tomorrow I think. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ruby Tuesday Pastel Portrait

2009-07-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Here is an incomplete stage of Ruby Tuesday. I have work to do all over such as ther ears, the mane, the fringe, the eyelashes and the brown hair in the face. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Ruby Tuesday

2009-07-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Ruby Tuesday commission is progressing well and I should be able to post an image of it next week. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Blog Award!

2009-07-13T16:30:00.000-07:00

I am honoured to have been awarded this Premio Meme award by artists Doreen Cross of http://www.dorsart.blogspot.com/ and Karie Ann Cooper of http://www.artbykarie-ann.blogspot.com/.

Doreen(Dors) does stunning graphite works and Karie Anne impresses with detailed animal and wildlife works in coloured pencil on drafting film. Take a peek at their blogs!

A requirement of this award is that I list 7 things about myself so here we go:

I love the smell of new books and different paper textures.

I love reading! (Mainly crime fiction and sailing biographies)

I love the way a drawing begins flat (2D) and comes to life like a sculpture almost (3D)!

I love my Nikon SLR camera which I purchased last year. I did a photography course to learn how to use it properly. If the house burned down apart from people and my pet Frisky my camera is what I would grab!!

I love sailing-both cruising and racing. I have sailed since I was 15 years old.

I like to keep fit by running and swimming.

I love outdoor activities, space and freedom. Totally Sagittarian!!

This award now must be passed on to 7 others so here we go; Karie-Ann Cooper and Doreen Cross should be listed here but since they gave the award to me I don't want to start a ping-pong game!!

All of the artists below do beautiful work which inspires me and they have encouraged me in the past!!

Grahame N Butler http://www.grahanebutler.blogspot.com/ for his wonderful Graphite works.

Laura Hardie http://www.portraitartistsblog.blogspot.com/for her stunning mastery of coloured pencil and graphite. Laura gave me alot of help and encouragement with my first graphite!

Debra Jones http://www.dog-a-dayartblog.blogspot.com/ Her watercolour dogs a day are amazing.

Melanie Phillips www.portraitartist.com/blogs I love Mels oils.

Heather Page http://www.pagesportraits.blogspot.com/ for her wonderful graphite works!

Gary Keiming http://www.gkeimingart.blogspot.com/ Gary does stunning landscpes. I love his use of colour and I love his skies.

Sally Lancaster http://www.sallylancasterportraitswip.blogspot.com/ for her wonderful works in oil!

I am going back to my easel now to work on Ruby Tuesday!!

Trusty Steeds is Finished!!

2009-07-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

Yes finished at last! I am now going to begin the Ruby Tuesday commission. Very exciting! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Equine Commission and Trusty Steeds

2009-07-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

And here is the latest on Trusty Steeds. I have got to a point where I think I need to put it facing a wall for a couple of days so that I can come back to it with a fresh mind!

I have a new commission to do a pastel of a stunning horse called Ruby Tuesday. I am sure I will have the Beatles song Ruby Tuesday going over and over in my head the whole way through just as I did for Jeremiah commission with "Jeremiah was a Bull Frog". If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Trusty Steeds Progress Report!

2009-07-01T22:38:00.000-07:00

Here is what I have done today on Trusty Steeds. I have done a little more on the white horse but I still need to complete the muzzle and refine all over! I have also worked on the brown horse today but have a long way to go yet. I am glad I got impatient and left the brown to work on the white because it is now obvious that I need to work on tone and colour to make the brown jump out of the page! Exaggeration and artistic license will come in here!! I will try to get to my easel again tomorrow but I may be running around purchasing safety gear (flares, fire extinguishers, etc) for our boat so that we qualify to enter a shorthanded race on Sunday! Should be lots of fun. Our boat normally sails with five or six crew but a shorthanded race limits crew to one or two! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Trusty Steeds Update

2009-06-25T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have worked on the white horse today. I still have a long way to go especially with the muzzle, the ears and the front of the face. The colours and tones need to be corrected yet as well! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Trusty Steeds Update

2009-06-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have today off from work so I hope to get alot more done on trusty Steeds. Here is what I did yesterday. I am very sad this morning to have just heard that Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett have died. Two amazing people. Michael was such an incredible talent and will live on as a legend forever!!If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Head down Tail Up Update!

2009-06-25T00:03:00.000-07:00

I left work a little early today and made it to the easel to do a bit on Trusty Steeds. It is too dark now to photograph what I have done so I will do it in the morning and post it so that you can see. AAhhh!!! It feels so good to pick up a pastel again! Funny how when art time is taken away from you , you think of all sorts of wonderful painting ideas!If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Head down Tail Up!

2009-06-17T00:59:00.000-07:00

I am doing a bit of full time work to help out at my husbands buisness this week so I am not getting near my easel to finish Trusty Steeds. It hurts but I hope to be creating again soon!!If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Sassi the Schnauzer

2009-06-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Detail of Sassi.

And here is the finished 50x60cm pastel portrait!

This photo was used for fur colour and direction on the body.

This photo was used for the main composition.

This photo was used for the head.

Well here is the portrait I have been working on which was commisssioned as a surprise anniversary gift. I actually got to meet Sassi as she lives not far from me. I really enjoyed this commission although I had difficulty with the selection of a suitable composition at first because although I was provided with many photos not many of them were good enough to work from. These are the main photos I worked from to achieve the finished portrait. I am now looking forward to finishing Trusty Steeds! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Peli Can Can Framed

2009-06-09T15:51:00.000-07:00

Here is Peli Can Can Framed. It is quite difficult to photograph pictures framed behind glass without including some sort of reflection and I think my attempt here is particularly bad. But it does give you an idea of the framed look. I am very pleased with it. Today I should finish the dog commission I am working on to a point where I need final approval from the client before I make any final adjustments. I should be able to post it on Saturday for you all to see. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

New Commission

2009-06-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

I have stopped work on Trusty Steeds for the moment to work on a pastel dog portrait which has to finished by the end of next week. I would love to post my WIP here but it is a surprise gift and it is a small world so I cannot. It is going well though so I look forward to posting it soon. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Trusty Steeds

2009-06-01T23:38:00.000-07:00

Stage 2 - More colour is applied. Trial and error sometimes to find or create the correct hue!!

Stage 1 - Outline is drawn and under colour is applied.

I couldn't resist posting the beginnings of this pastel even though the photos are not accurate colour. Today is dark and rainy in Brisbane and so the background colour does not appear as it should a rich burnt umber. Probably something to do with the settings used on my camera as well!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

New Horse Pastel Underway

2009-06-01T16:30:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for so long because I have had a busy week organising boat repairs as well as preparing quotes for prospective pet portrait clients. I have finally started to lay out my next pastel of the two horses pictured here. I am doing them together on Burnt Umber colourfix pastel paper. Should be able to post beginnings in the next few days. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Peli Can Can Finished

2009-05-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally finished this pastel. I will be having it framed to enter the Pastel Society of Australia Winter Competition. I had been thinking of adding a scant piece of sandy beach for them to stand on but I think it is probably better without. My next pastel will be horses!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Blue Heeler Portrait Sold!

2009-05-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

As a result of the local art show last week I sold this portrait of a happy Blue Heeler! Peli Can Can is nearly complete and I will post the completed portrait in the next couple of days. If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Follows section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

Peli Can Can Update

2009-05-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Today I worked a bit on the back bird and mostly on the front bird. I still have alot to do all over this pastel. Tomorrow I am doing my annual First Aid Recertification so I will not be back at the easel until Thursday! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml

A 'Commended' At Local Art Show!!

2009-05-17T21:52:00.000-07:00

Gilded Quills

I have been quite busy today! The deisel engine on our sailing boat is about 20 years old and has been playing up (refusing to start!) My husband and a sailing friend have taken it to bits and I have delivered them to appropriate engineers this morning to be renovated! Hopfully we may have a functioning engine by next weekend!! This would not have been possible without our sailing friend who we affectionately refer to as 'MacGyver' because he can fix anything, anywhere, anytime!! This afternoon I collected some of my paintings from the local Art Show and discovered that the pastel "Gilded Quills" had received a "Commended". Made my Day!! Hope to have time to do more on Peli Can Can tomorrow! If you are a regular visitor to my blog or website you will probably have noticed that i have a fascination with Pelicans. I think they are beautiful exotic birds. I love the way they can climb high in thermals and the way they cruise peacefully along the rivers and shorelines in search of fish. I could definately come back as a Pelican!! If you enjoyed this post please consider becoming a follower of my blog. See the Followers section down the right side of my blog. You may like to add me to you own blog. If So my link is www.portraitsthatbite.blogspot.com/atom.xml