Creating a Portrait from Pastels You may have every confidence that each step toward creating an original, professional portrait is taken with the skill of The Artist's experienced hand, trained eye, and the choice of only the finest materials. Which are the Artists Guarantee of your satisfaction. The portraits are created from your photographs therefore the expression and personality of your pet captured in the photograph are essential to assist in the success of the end product. You can find some valuable photography tips listed below.

Tips for Taking Photographs of Your Pet These are ideal conditions for taking pictures of your pet. Try to include as many as possible, but don't worry if you can't abide by them all. We will talk about the photo's you send and I'll be pleased to address any concerns or questions you might have. Also, many folks want portraits of pets that have passed on and are concerned about the quality of the pictures they have on hand. Don't worry, give me what you have and we'll work from there. - Natural out side light is best, especially if it comes from the side. This allows for interesting shadows and features. Try evening or morning light. There should be not distracting shadows. - Take photo's at eye level, not from above. - The closer the picture the more detail there is for me to work with. - Having the head turned slightly is usually a better idea for a portrait. - Consider having your pet interacting with a favourite object or toy makes for a very personal portrait. Or, have a favourite toy near by. - Please do not use flash as it tends to bleach out colour and detail. - Try for a usual or typical pose. - The wonderful thing about working from photographs is that two or three images can be combined into one portrait. Remember, the lighting should come from the same side, if the lighting is an obvious consideration. - It is a good idea to send me photographs in several poses, stating which one is your favourite. It also allows me to compare colour or detail. Good luck in you picture taking but remember that problems can be over come. It is all about communication between you and I so that I can produce a portrait that you will be delighted with.

Dale's medium of choice for her pet portraits. PASTEL: The name "pastel" comes from the French word "pastiche" that describes how the pure, powered pigment is ground into a paste with a small amount of gum binder. The soft pastel medium is noted for its intense, luminous colours. It is dry paint and uses the same pigments that are found in paints. Because it is a dry medium, pastels allow for an intensity of colour seldom found in other mediums. It can outlast oil paint because it has no oil or varnish to yellow and crack with age. Pastels are a perfect expressive media for portraying animals because their pure and luminous quality and the soft textures are perfect for portraying animal skin, fur and feathers. PAPER: The paper I choose to work on depends on which is the best choice for the image I am portraying. However, I usually work on velour paper. It is quite delicate to use but the reality and soft quality it brings to living subjects is beyond compare. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at - dalecalderwood@shaw.ca -