DIY Monday: Pet Portrait

I'm excited to share this fun project with you for D.I.Y. Monday! This project is a how-to for a pretty portrait of your little best friend. If you're not an experienced painter, don't worry. I'll walk you through the steps and help you create something really adorable! 

Step 1: practice drawing you're pet. Don't intimidate yourself by trying to create a photo-realistic drawing. Focus on your pets most distinctive features and create a cute cartoon version! Since I have a pug, i chose the wrinkles to emphasize. It's a very simple character drawing, with an added bow. 

If you try sketching your pet and aren't feeling great about the results, try tracing a photo. I have tracing tips posted here. 

Step 2: gather your supplies. You'll need a canvas, pencil, acrylic craft paint in the colors of your choosing & black for outlining, paint brushes and glossy varnish (optional). 

Step 3: Sketch your pet on your canvas with pencil. 

Step 4: Paint the base colors of your design. Don't worry about details at this stage, you'll be adding them last! You may want to use several coats of paint on certain parts of your painting. 

note: Sometimes it helps me to have an inspiration source in my mind when choosing colors or a 'feel' for my paintings. I had Betsey Johnson style florals in the back of my mind while adding cute floral details to my painting of Suki. It's also a good idea to reach outside of your circle to find inspiration. For example, while searching for inspiration for a painting I don't look at other painters I look at fashion or a scene from a pretty film. 

Step 5: Outline with black paint and a small paint brush. After drying, gloss with varnish if you like a shiny finish! ♥

Hope you enjoy painting your little cutie! Happy Monday! XO. elsie 

Comments

[Bridget]

how cute!

[Cat]

So cute! Makes me want to paint my Boston right now!

xoxo,
Cat

[jj]

That's cool, Elsie, thanks! It's funny how sometimes something so simple can be so hard for me because I always do everything the most complicated, convoluted, and hard way possible. It's like my brain does not understand the concept of easy. Your instructions about painting the base colors and then details later are something you'd think I'd have figured out by now!

[tiffany.]

You said "Oh Hi, Doggy" LOL! Quotes from The Room will be in my mind forever ;)

xo.

[Sarah Beth]

i was supposed to be studying for a midterm tonight... but i painted my terrier Minnie instead <3 thanks for a simple diy painting, it was so fun!

[elsie]

Thanks everyone!
I use a range of paintbrushes from teeny tiny to large. I have all sizes.
For paint I use liquidex, golden and also inexpensive craft aisle paints! :)

[Sara]

So cute! I'm always looking for ways to incorporate my little lover into my decorating!

[Jonelle]

Oh. MY. GOSH! These are so stinkin cute! I love it! :)

[Carly]

Elsie this is beyond adorable, thank you for sharing!

[Wendy B.]

So cute. I want to do one of my pug but since he's black how would I paint the details on his face to make them stand out? What colors would I use?

[elsie]

Wendy, I did a black pug recently I used dark grey for his face with a black outline! :))) XO.

[Elizabeth]

this is so cute. i love it. if only i had a pet. i will share your link though with someone i know who has one.

[maria (the indie handmade show)]

Definitely in love! Now I want to paint my furry cat!
>^..^<

[Drummbellina]

Oh this is lovely! You've made it seem very easy.

[Kasia]

oh! It's so so so pretty! I'm totally in love with this portrait of Suki! <3

[gina]

another cute diy!! Thanks for sharing.

[Toshi]

so cute, i love it!

[ashleyD]

my favorite perfume! <3

[Mousevox Vintage]

what a cute idea! i might have to try this. :)

[Gina]

Great idea and Suki is adorable!

I should make one for my lil' Ladybug.