When preparing to do a pet portrait either as a commission or for note cards, I look for the photo with the most expression that will capture a personality in the pet.  Most clients will choose the photograph that tells a story of their pet and that will be captured on canvas for eternity.  My preference in pet portraiture is to work in pastels.  Pastels have a richness in color and softness that is easily displayed.  Oils on the other hand give me opportunities for detail that no other medium possess.  Whether it is oils, pastels, and watercolor or pencils, my approach is to bring the painting to life when it is complete and a smile on the face of my client.

My work as an artist started by drawing people in pencil.  When I determined I had an ability to capture a realistic likeness with my art, I started to experiment in oils.  Over the years, through different instructors, I have increased my knowledge and skill in portraiture.  Like my pet portraits, I prefer to work in pastel or oils when painting people.