RJ the Beagle ~ Finished Pencil Portrait

RJ rescue beagle pencil portrait

Here is the finished portrait of RJ the 4 year old rescue beagle. I am extremely happy with the final outcome as were his owners. However I did decide to make a few changes from the original photograph. First, I removed the bone from the bottom left corner so that I could capture more of the leg. Second, I softened the shadows around the facial features which looked rather harsh in the photograph.

If you like what you see, prints of RJ are available for purchase on my website, or why not commission a portrait of your own. Visit my website for more details http://www.taratiberiofineart.com

GiGi Kitty Cat Pencil Portrait

GiGi Kitty Cat Pencil Drawing

I just wanted to share with you my last commission I completed before the holidays last year ~ a lovely little kitty cat called GiGi. I finally found the time to get a copy of the professional scan I had made. Prints are available for purchase on my website www.taratiberiofineart.com

RJ Beagle Pencil Portrait Update ~ Head

Beagle dog pencil portrait ~ Head

I continued to use the same method for the right ear, applying H and HB pencil in longer strokes and in the direction of hair growth. To define the ear folding over against the side of the head I used a shape B pencil in an upwards motion. I used a H pencil to add the hairs in the white area surrounding the nose and also to define the shape of the snout. To create the impression of hairs and whiskers I used a technique called negative drawing. This is where the shape e.g a whisker, is defined by shading in the areas around it.  For the first layer of the nose I used a H pencil and applied the lead in a random fashion, followed by a HB pencil in circular motion creating the impression of scales. Once I was happy with the size of the 'scales' and the overall shape of the nose I used a B pencil to define the nostrils, the outer edges and the groove up the centre. I continued to apply the HB pencil to create different shades and used a putty eraser to remove lead to indicate the highlights at the tip of the nose. Lastly I applied another layer of H, HB and B pencil over the entire head.

Beagle Pencil Portrait Update

Beagle Dog Pencil Drawing ~ Outline and eyes

Using the grid method I scaled up the image to a 10"x12" size and sketched the outline using a H Derwent pencil. I always start with the subjects eyes, positioning the pupils and the reflecting light. At this stage I use only H, HB and B pencils.

Beagle Dog Pencil Portrait ~ Eyes and hair

To add the skin tone a round the eyes I use a HB pencil and apply it in a circular motion. I then move on to the surrounding hair. I use a H and HB pencil and lightly apply short strokes in the direction of the hair growth and darken the outline. To create a darker hair tone I position the strokes closer together.

Beagle Dog Pencil Portrait ~ Head and ears

To create the almost black hair at the top of the head and down the center of the snout I use a sharp B pencil. I also apply another layer to the outline of the eyes and a round the reflecting light. I start on the left ear by applying longer strokes with a H pencil in the direction of hair growth. I then add a layer of HB pencil and softly apply a B pencil a round the bottom and right edge. I use a camel brush to soften the strokes and remove small hairs with a putty eraser. I remove larger sections to create the impression of a shiny coat. I repeat these steps until I am happy with the overall appearance of the ear. Now for the right ear .......

RJ the Beagle Pet Portrait

I am happy to present to you my first 2011 pencil portrait subject ~ a rescued 4 year old beagle called RJ. I was fortunate enough to spend an hour with RJ where I got to know him and his personality. RJ has beautiful markings and goes crazy when he hears the word ‘hotdog’. I will keep you up to date with my progress!