DIY Monday: Pet Portrait

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 

Comments

[i*adore]

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

[lizzie]

adorable!!!!

[Taylor]

What type of brushes and paints do you use the most when you paint?
I'd LOVE it if you'd tell me :]
Thanks!

[Lauren]

this is insanely adorable!!

[Amy]

Too cute! If I had a pet, I'd definitely be painting it right now! :) http://amysreallife.wordpress.com

[Emily]

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

[cait]

Adorable! I definitely want to make cute little pictures of our cats, Izzy and Lola :)
Thanks for sharing!

[elycia]

this is sooo cute. i have 2 cats and i might just make one of each of them. they are cute guys.

[emily]

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!!

[Dana burton]

Hurray Elsie!
I love it when you teach art. I especially like the information in the NOTE section. Keep it coming, Elsie. THANK YOU.

[karina]

beautiful !! me lovin' it :)

[Amy Cluck]

So cute! I'm going to try to do one of my cats!

[Andrea]

I have 4 finches. Would you do one of each or do one with all four?

[robin]

Oh how cute!!!! :) I'd love to make something like this - especially since my pug looks just like Suki!

[Michelle B.]

Super, super cute! Can't wait to do one of my kitty! <3

[Alli (One Pearl Button)]

Totally adorable!! I don't know if I have the skills for it, but I might have to try.

[Emily]

That's just adorable!

[Patty S]

really cute! i have a chocolate lab and i think she'd look adorable done up like suki!
tfs! xo :-)

[Laura Mazurek]

it is so absolutely adorable! love it! yay for suki!

[Christy]

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.