Kyra. 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
Spent the week working on my Christmas list. Then two days in Phoenix celebrating early with friends from out-of-town. I finally worked up to courage to paint these pet portraits. I had planned on working in watercolor, but ultimately decided to use acrylics. I worked from photos. There was a lot of guessing on Tasha, most of her facial features were lost in solid black.
I am very pleased with how they turned out. Both recipients were very happy. Kyra, above, turned out better. I don’t feel I was as successful with Tasha. The pose was more difficult for me to convey. The noses know… they could have been better. Still, I think they work.
Tasha. 6 x 6 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
I experimented, and used watercolor on these next two canvases. I knew if it didn’t work, I could easily wipe them clean and start over. I wanted the colors to mix and mingle, and have that washy look. The deep sides really highlight the layers of transparent color. Unfortunately, I forgot to get photos of them.
4 x 4 watercolor and acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
When the background had dried, I used a spray sealer. Light coats, so the watercolor would not activate again. The words were applied in acrylic, outlined in pen, and sealed once more. They really look good in person. Shades of gorgeous indigo. And “Love” has the look of an old tapestry. A nice effect of the canvas texture!
4 x 4 watercolor and acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. © 2016 Sheila Delgado
Just love, love, love these dogs, Sheila! And the love and the faith——beautiful. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your processes.
Thank YOU Laurie 🙂 I have a Pinterest board with you work, and I looked there for inspiration before I started the dogs. So wish I had your skill!
Love the “Love” and the “Faith”! You did a wonderful job on the pet portraits. <3 <3 <3
Thank you Karin! I had so much fun with small ones. And I worked hard on the portraits. I need to keep doing them, so I can get better… then maybe it will be a little easier. LOL. Maybe? hahaha
nice job Sheila
you are doing some beautiful work. congratulations
Thank you Christine! So glad you like them 🙂 Happy creating to you 🙂
These are all super, Sheila but I especially like the LOVE piece!
Thank you Val, so glad. 🙂 It suits my friend perfectly!
What beautiful gifts!!! Love the pet portraits, simple direct, Great eyes!!!
Hi Carol, thank you! I worked hard on those eyes, I am glad to hear they are convincing, LOL 🙂
Gratifying gift RECEIVING—what a gift to receive this post in my inbox this morning! I am wowed by your dog portraits; Kyra and Tasha so alive on my screen as I start my day. And the watercolors are also yummy. Like you, I especially like the tapestry look of “LOVE”—what great gifts, Sheila!
Aww Dotty, thanks a bunch 🙂 I am going to have to do more of those “Tapestry”, LOL. Thinking now….
Love how you captured the sweetness and spirit in the eyes of both dogs and feeling of texture in their fur!
So glad you like them Laurelle 🙂 Happy Sunday to you 🙂