I'm excited to share this fun project with you for D.I.Y. Monday! This project is a how-to for a pretty portrait of your little best friend. If you're not an experienced painter, don't worry. I'll walk you through the steps and help you create something really adorable!
Step 1: practice drawing you're pet. Don't intimidate yourself by trying to create a photo-realistic drawing. Focus on your pets most distinctive features and create a cute cartoon version! Since I have a pug, i chose the wrinkles to emphasize. It's a very simple character drawing, with an added bow.
If you try sketching your pet and aren't feeling great about the results, try tracing a photo. I have tracing tips posted here.
Step 2: gather your supplies. You'll need a canvas, pencil, acrylic craft paint in the colors of your choosing & black for outlining, paint brushes and glossy varnish (optional).
Step 3: Sketch your pet on your canvas with pencil.
Step 4: Paint the base colors of your design. Don't worry about details at this stage, you'll be adding them last! You may want to use several coats of paint on certain parts of your painting.
note: Sometimes it helps me to have an inspiration source in my mind when choosing colors or a 'feel' for my paintings. I had Betsey Johnson style florals in the back of my mind while adding cute floral details to my painting of Suki. It's also a good idea to reach outside of your circle to find inspiration. For example, while searching for inspiration for a painting I don't look at other painters I look at fashion or a scene from a pretty film.
Step 5: Outline with black paint and a small paint brush. After drying, gloss with varnish if you like a shiny finish! ♥
Hope you enjoy painting your little cutie! Happy Monday! XO. elsie




I absolutely LOVE! I have to admit that I got back into drawing because of you.. :) I can't wait to start painting once I pro my drawing skills again!! <3<3<3
Posted by: i*adore | March 01, 2010 at 07:43 PM
adorable!!!!
Posted by: lizzie | March 01, 2010 at 07:43 PM
What type of brushes and paints do you use the most when you paint?
I'd LOVE it if you'd tell me :]
Thanks!
Posted by: Taylor | March 01, 2010 at 07:45 PM
this is insanely adorable!!
Posted by: Lauren | March 01, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Too cute! If I had a pet, I'd definitely be painting it right now! :) http://amysreallife.wordpress.com
Posted by: Amy | March 01, 2010 at 07:46 PM
this is adorable!! i'm definitely going to have to make one of these. i've always been curious for a little more detail about your painting process, so thanks! <3
Posted by: Emily | March 01, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Adorable! I definitely want to make cute little pictures of our cats, Izzy and Lola :)
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: cait | March 01, 2010 at 07:48 PM
this is sooo cute. i have 2 cats and i might just make one of each of them. they are cute guys.
Posted by: elycia | March 01, 2010 at 07:49 PM
thank you for showing the step by step painting process. I have always considered myself a horrible painter and its because I was doing this process backwards. oui! Thanks!!
Posted by: emily | March 01, 2010 at 07:52 PM
Hurray Elsie!
I love it when you teach art. I especially like the information in the NOTE section. Keep it coming, Elsie. THANK YOU.
Posted by: Dana burton | March 01, 2010 at 07:56 PM
beautiful !! me lovin' it :)
Posted by: karina | womanizer | March 01, 2010 at 08:03 PM
So cute! I'm going to try to do one of my cats!
Posted by: Amy Cluck | March 01, 2010 at 08:03 PM
I have 4 finches. Would you do one of each or do one with all four?
Posted by: Andrea | March 01, 2010 at 08:05 PM
Oh how cute!!!! :) I'd love to make something like this - especially since my pug looks just like Suki!
Posted by: robin | March 01, 2010 at 08:32 PM
Super, super cute! Can't wait to do one of my kitty! <3
Posted by: Michelle B. | March 01, 2010 at 08:34 PM
Totally adorable!! I don't know if I have the skills for it, but I might have to try.
Posted by: Alli (One Pearl Button) | March 01, 2010 at 08:37 PM
That's just adorable!
Posted by: Emily | March 01, 2010 at 08:37 PM
really cute! i have a chocolate lab and i think she'd look adorable done up like suki!
tfs! xo :-)
Posted by: Patty S | March 01, 2010 at 08:46 PM
it is so absolutely adorable! love it! yay for suki!
Posted by: Laura Mazurek | March 01, 2010 at 08:47 PM
I think I might even do this one!
My dogs are pretty cute and have distinctive features, so even though I have zero drawing skills, it might be worth a try.
Posted by: Christy | March 01, 2010 at 09:20 PM