Pet portrait commission
january, 2024
illustration
project overview
This was a commission from the winter of 2024. The client wanted two paintings, both of them 16” x 20”. One of them he specifically requested to have the ashes from his recently deceased dog included into the painting.
process
I have done digital painting commissions of pets for a few years now, but this was by far the most complicated and the largest project I have undertaken since I began. It was also the first time I have tried canvas printing, as well as the first time I had ever used ashes as a painting medium!
Before I began, I decided to look into how artists use the ashes from beloved pets into paintings. I found an artist, Zann Hemphill, who professionally does pet portraits and has years of experience of incorporating ashes into paintings. She offered two methods: mix ashes into the base layer while preparing the paint surface, or mix ashes directly with the pigments. Seeing that one could use ashes with a medium to great effect, I decided that would be my go to method with this project.
The canvas after I had finished applying ashes in a few sessions, photo taken right before I was packing it up to go to its new home.
So, I completed both paintings digitally, while keeping in the mind the application of the ashes. I intentionally left the background as well as certain areas of the fur less detailed and rendered, that way, once printed I would be able to add those details later with the ashes.
To do so, I mixed water with a small amount of the ashes, about a tablespoon — you really do not need much. I would use a more bristle brush to get a nice texture, as well as a less even distribution of the mixture. When the ashes were looking too light, I would add a little bit of acrylic gouache to darken and add depth. Most of the application of the ashes ended up being dabbed on with a brush, or a towel, and then spattered and sprinkled on to add more grit.
final paintings
Finished digital paintings.
In situ mock ups (not the client’s house).