Occasionally I have a request to include a pet in a portrait. That’s usually a dog. Often the client asks, “Is it hard to make a portrait with a dog?” In itself it is not difficult. The problem is usually in the photo session. You can´t say to a dog “Sit there and look at the camera.” Some dogs are easy but not all. I have a dog myself and I know from experience how they can react. So when I’m going to do a photo shoot for a portrait in which a dog is to be included, I am prepared. I do this: I ignore the creature altogether from the moment I enter the sitters home. If not, he won´t stop trying to convince me that he is the cutest dog in the world. Which does not benefit the session pose.
Funnily enough, with children I often have a similar approach. In the beginning I don´t pay too much attention. Later I try, unobtrusively, to win their trust. At that moment I play the role of an actor, more than a portrait painter.
Hi Ben,always appreciate your posts.Strangely I painted some dogs for the first time,in watercolour,found it quite tricky and ended up a bit tight….how much fur to put in etc.
looking at your photo here I see you’re working from an Ipad and a printed photo,I suppose the Ipad is so you can zoom in. I paint from photos and I’d appreciate if you could recommend a good printer,which one do you use? Many thanks. Suzy
Dear Suzy.
Two years ago I bought an iPad and I love it. Somebody made me a special holder and I can place it next to my painting. But as you see I do need also a photograph of the subject as well. I print my copies on an Epson Stylus Photo R2400. My printer is already more than 5 years old. I don’t know what the newest version is.The printing paper I use is Epson Premium Glossy.