Pet Paintings

Oil pastels are used on 100% cotton velvet covered boards, this gives a durable finish with exceptional realism, the texture and matt finish of the velvet enriches animal pictures and gives an almost lifelike effect.

The paintings show to best advantage when unglazed, but non reflective glass can be used; it does not detract too much from the realism and adds a level of security.

The oil pastel medium will not fade and is sprayed with a fixative. The painting should be gently dusted with a soft paint brush (2" gloss paint brush) in an upwards direction 2 or 3 times a year.

The paintings are on best quality velvet which is a fabric (as is canvas) and will last as long as a tapestry if kept dry and out of direct sunlight. As with oils on canvas and water colours on paper, the paintings on velvet are as durable as the material they are painted on and if treated with the same respect will be just as long lasting.

Photography of your pet or animal

Phil requires a good quality photo which is clear and close up, and he must be able to see the eyes clearly. Below are a few tips on how to take a good photo which is suitable for a portrait:

• Take the photos in natural light, but not direct sunlight. A bright overcast day but not too much heavy cloud works best. Try and keep the sun (or where you think it is) behind you and avoid using flash. Keep the sun out of your pets eyes or it will close its eyes.
• Get down to the same level as your pet even if it means lying down, try and get the animal to look at someone next to you, this pose is always better than a full face view or a complete side view. A slight angle to the side usually works best.
• Take several photos over a period of days.