Bismarck

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This portrait of Bismarck was commissioned by Rosie as a gift for her mother. Their family has never been without a basset hound and they always have a name beginning with B. Bismarck, whilst perhaps a little demure looking here, was reportedly the big boss of her family, never failing to get what she wants, including a whole frozen Turkey, which she managed to swipe one Christmas.

“I’m really happy with Susie’s digital portrait of Bismarck. I asked her to draw it for my mum. Susie really captured Bismarck’s character in a beautiful final piece! It’s also nice that she is able to change the background colour so easily. I didn’t know much about Digital painting but after talking to Susie, I think it’s a great alternative to traditional painting.”
— Rosie
“I am so delighted with Susie’s digital portrait. I have many photos plus a painting of my dog already but this is unique in that you can see and enjoy not only the finished artwork but also the creative process that led to it; something worth experiencing and admiring again and again. She is skilled at encapsulating and demonstrating the dog’s personality ”
— Rosie's Mum
 
 

Doughie & Millie

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This dynamic duo were both rescued by their owner Sarah. Very different in size and character, this was a commission about celebrating these contrasts, whilst creating finished portraits that were visually harmonious.

Doughie, a Staffie Cross weighing a solid 20kg, was definitely the big bundle in the equation. A lovable and loving hulk of energy, described by Sarah as the ‘softest smush on the planet.’ Also a big fan of treats, which he will seek out despite seeming obstacles, like a coat hung out or reach was was pulled down and demolished to attain the treat that was left in the pocket. I thought an open mouthed, expectant pose therefore summed him up beautifully

Millie on the other hand is a gentle soul, and ‘as good as gold’ so much so that she was awarded the ‘best small dog’ in her village dog show. Originally a circus dog, she can do an impressive army crawl but above all she is an enthusiastic walker, so I painted her in her mountain gear, enjoying the snowy view reflected in her lively eyes.

 
 

Toby

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Toby, Digital painting

Toby was one of the first moggies I had the pleasure to paint. Painting him was a lesson in colour and how much of it can be found in a black coat of fur!

As a kitten, Irene, Toby’s owner, sensibly gave him a collar with a bell, to keep tabs on him. Quick to understand the implications, Toby hid himself away for an entire day under a piano cover, still as a statue so as not to alert anyone to his whereabouts. When Irene found him, she relented, giving him free reign, without collar, until he was old enough to accept the responsibility which, as you can see here, he duly did.

 
 

Luna & Doug

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This commission was all about capturing movement through stillness. I worked closely with Jo, Luna and Doug’s owner, to help her capture the perfect source images. No easy feat given the lively nature of both dogs.

Doug, who was approaching his first birthday at this time, was still in his infancy and yet to realise that his back legs and tail belonged to him. Luna, who was recued from death row kennels in 2017 was a little older but highly alert and active, so much so she often partners Jo in canicrossing [a dog/human jogging duo]. Very much a dog that ‘runs in her sleep’ as Jo explained to me! It was therefore a triumph to snap a picture of her standing still!

Once the source images were agreed it was my turn to plunge into a deep and contemplative study of these wonderful characters, capturing, through quiet observation, their life force and energy.

“I cannot recommend Susie enough. The process from start to finish has been faultless, from her never-ending patience and guidance on how to get the best photograph, to her enthusiasm and genuine interest in learning about the dog behind the picture and her communication regarding the end result. Both paintings are exceptional, I’m amazed at how well Doug and Luna’s personalities leap out at me despite Susie never having met them, the paintings don’t feel static but are full of life and movement. Friends and family are impressed at the likeness and my toddler instantly knew who the paintings were of. ”
— Jo Hallam