The Drawing Process
1. Using the 'Contact' page on this website, send your query, and the details of your requirements will be discussed and finalised. For more details on the ordering process, please follow this link: 'Order a Custom Drawing'
2. Once an image has been chosen to 'Be Drawn', I start the drawing process by drawing an outline of the subject and follow this by shading in the details. The process involves lots of layering up. For animals, I follow the direction of the fur growth and continue to layer up the shaded areas, leaving the lighter areas to show the highlights. For people portraits, this again requires layering up. When drawing a person, I tend to start with the eyes and for pets, this is the finishing step!
3. I use a selection of graphite pencils ranging from 2B to 12B. I use a mixture of Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencils and Derwent Graphic pencils and draw on Canson Bristol Board extra heavyweight bright white paper. This has a smooth finish and is a 250gsm heavy-weight paper, which allows for a range of tones within the drawing.
4. As your drawing progresses, I will keep in contact with you to let you know how your drawing is coming along.
5. Once your drawing is complete and payment has been processed, your drawing will be sent out to you via Royal Mail, First Class recorded delivery.
For Tips on how to photograph your pet please see below!
Tips and Tricks for photographing your pet for a commissioned drawing.
1. Lighting! Lighting is key in all things photography! Ensure your subject is evenly lit. This means that no harsh shadows or completely white areas are visible on your subject. As I draw from photographs, it is important for me to see the detail of the subject I am drawing. Go outside or use a light source such as a lamp. If you are going outside then avoid a very sunny day as this can create harsh shadows on your subject's face.
2. Focus! Ensure your photograph is in focus so that there are no areas in which I will be unable to see the details of your subject.
3. Pose! Posing your pet is difficult at the best of times but this can really help when photographing your pet. Get them to sit and stay at eye level with your subject. Try the 'Treat Trick' (by moving your hand slowly up and down, left and right, and take multiple pictures whilst their gaze follows your hand.
4. Composition! As I tend to draw my subjects from my chest up, being at eye level with your subject will help me to compose your image. Your subject does not need to be looking straight into the camera, however, if the image is taken from above, below, or from a slightly off angle, this often doesn't work too well for a drawing.
5. If you are unsure if your image/s are high quality enough or if the composition would work for the drawing, then simply get in touch and I will let you know!
Happy Photographing!
