![Senor Carlos initial photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1_Carlos-photos.jpg?fit=300%2C258&ssl=1)
1. Inspect supplied photos
I looked over Carlos’ photo(s) and selected what I thought was a good composition, cropping the photo to those proportions for reference.
![Initial outline of Carlos](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2_Initial-Drawing.jpg?fit=300%2C185&ssl=1)
2. Initial tracing of pet’s outline and key features
I used a very basic projector to capture Carlos’ proportion; especially his eyes. They are truly the window to your pet’s soul, and if they’re “off,” the whole painting will be off.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/3_Carlos-sketch.jpg?fit=300%2C243&ssl=1)
3. Enhance initial drawing
I then added shading and adjusted anything that needed tweaking. In Carlos’ case, his back legs looked too small on the canvas, so I made them about 20% larger for visual balance. At this point, I show the drawing to the client for their approval. Carlos’ Mom was happy with the drawing, so I proceeded.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/4_Carlos-Blue.jpg?fit=300%2C240&ssl=1)
4. Create an underpainting
Using washes of a single color; something that contrasts with the pet’s coat, I lay out the basic light and dark tones on the canvas. This helps me doublecheck the composition. The underpainting often peeks out here and there, unifying the finished painting.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/5_Carlos-halfPainted.jpg?fit=300%2C241&ssl=1)
5. Painting the basic shapes, shadows and background
I usually put the background in first, then work overall so that one area doesn’t dominate and get out of balance.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.forever-pet-portraits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/6_Carlos_done.jpg?fit=300%2C241&ssl=1)
6. Add finishing details
I then painted in the texture of Carlos’ fur, the highlights in his eyes and background details to finish it up.
Welcome to Forever Pet Portraits, where I strive to honor your precious pet(s) with timeless art. Send me a photo or multiple photos of your best buddy and I’ll capture them in a painting that warms your heart! Contact me and let’s get started!
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