A New Portrait Story
Introducing my portrait of Cash. Discover the painting journey behind this recent commission and watch how this oil painting took shape.
Introducing the playful and dynamic Cash, who has a passion for sand, sea and mountain biking!
During this commission I worked closely with Cash's family to find the perfect combination of elements that would capture this spirit.
I blocked out the early stages of the painting in acrylics for speed but then moved into oils - my preferred medium- and immersed myself in the glorious sunshine and energy of this happy scene.
Keep an eye out for part 2, where I share the final stages of varnishing and framing this portrait.
Out of interest, where do you stand on the acrylics vs oil discussion? Do you prefer one over the other? Let me know in the comments below?
Any Qs, fire away! For all info about my commission service click below
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 3
The final part of this portrait story, showing you what I do to finish off an oil painting. Watch a mini video of the varnish and framing stages.
Today I’m showing you how I finish off an oil painting.
I start with a coat of retouch varnish to even out the surface of the painting whilst providing a layer of protection. I always use a nice big brush to do this.
Then onto the framing. I’m a big fan of float mount box frames, which give a shadow gap effect around the painting. I’ve recently discovered a great online company, called The Picture Gallery that makes them to measure, in different coloured finishes. I opted for a smart steely grey which offset the colours of the portrait well.
Tussock’s portrait, now framed and ready to go, will be packed and posted out to its new home very soon!
Want to know more about my commission service? click the button below for more info!
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 2
The second instalment of this portrait’s story, where I dive into the oil paints! Watch how the painting starts to build in depth and detail.
Welcome to the second part in this dog portrait mini series, where I’m diving into the oil paints!
This video is a spliced summary of several sessions, where I worked up the tones, colour and detail gradually, usually leaving a few days in between each session for things to dry.
I favour using big sheets of tracing paper for a palette, where I can really spread out and mix up the colours I need.
In part three I will try and do a little overview of all the equipment I use. Here you’ll eyespy a few things, my trusty painting stick being one of them, which really helps steady the hand for fine detail.
The commission brief requested that Tussock’s name be featured in the painting, allowing me the perfect opportunity to play with a beautiful formula, I’ve long admired, often seen in the 16th century portraits of Hans Holbein the Younger.
Stay tuned for the final stages in part 3, where I walk you through the varnishing, framing, packing and posting!
Painting a Dog Portrait - Part 1
Discover how I get going on a dog portrait in oil on canvas. Walking you through part 1 of the journey with this painting of a beautiful dog called Tussock.
How I begin an oil painting…
There's been a lot going on behind the scenes over the last few months.
I've been working on a number of projects and I’m finally getting round to sharing them!
Kicking things off with this portrait of Tussock. For those of you more familiar with my digital paintings of animals, I thought it would be nice to walk you through what I do with an oil painting.
So here we are, Part 1 - mapping out the foundations of the portrait in acrylic. Why acrylic? because it dries super quickly. In part 2 you will see me moving into oils - which I much prefer!
More updates, coming soon! For now wishing you all a super weekend!
Max's Portrait
In honour of international Dog's day I'm talking about a very special Dog Portrait commission. Find out about Max’s story, and why it deeply moved me.
Early stages, sketching out Max’s portrait on my wacom tablet.
In celebration of international Dog’s Day I wanted to talk about a very special commission that deeply moved me.
I was contacted by John, whose first year ‘paper’ wedding anniversary was coming up and wanted to gift his lovely wife a portrait of their beloved dog, Max.
Max had, very sadly, died a week before their wedding the previous year, and his absence was greatly felt. Not least because of the powerful association Max had with their son, who had also passed away.
We decided on a monochrome, digital charcoal medium. When finished, the portrait was printed on thick archival art paper and framed.
Drawing freehand on my wacom tablet, I lost myself in the quiet contemplation of Max’s beautiful face, illuminated by seaside sunshine, animated by the dancing light reflected in the water around him. The powerful symbolism of the sea enfolding him. On the horizon I added two sailing boats, with the ‘somewhere beyond the sea’ associations of loved ones lost.
Finished PORTRAIT OF MAX, DIGITAL CHARCOAL DRAWING
When Kate, John’s wife, received the portrait, she said the following:
Words can’t really describe how wonderful Max’s portrait is, but I’ll have a go. I’ll admit that there were a number of tears shed when his portrait was given to me. Max was a soul dog and the best friend we could have possibly asked for. As a hugely loyal companion especially to our eldest son and I, he was an incredible comfort after the loss of our eldest son. Somehow our wonderful Labrador just knew how to hold space for us all. Consequently when Max passed away in 2021 it hit hard. Susie has beautifully captured Max in his portrait, so much so that he embodies the same soulful presence that he did in life. I take genuine comfort from his portrait everyday and really cannot thank her enough. Thank you Susie 💛
Experiences like this touch on something beyond a simple exchange of words, they go right into the very heart of us and open up dialogues full of meaning, healing and growth.
Do you have a special someone you would like me to paint?
Click the button below, to find out more, say hello and let’s have a chat!
New Commission in Progress
A new commission is underway in the studio. Discover the story behind this mother and daughter dog portrait and why it is going to be a particularly special one!
Just a little behind the scenes glimpse of a new work in progress.
Introducing the beautiful Inca, a wonderful dog who I had the pleasure of meeting this Summer up and in Scotland.
These are the early stages of the portrait I am painting of her. It is part of a double commission where I will also be painting her daughter Tussac.
The fun of it is Inca’s portrait will be a digital one, which will be printed and framed, whilst Tussac’s portrait will be oil on canvas.
It is a wonderful opportunity to chart the progress of each portrait and each method, so stay tuned for further updates!
To find out more about my commission service click the button below or get in touch directly with any Qs!
Green Turtle Story
Diving into the story of my green turtle painting, with a walk through of what inspired it and a timelapse of the painting process.
Today I'm spotlighting my Turtle painting, based on a green turtle from the Flynn Reef in Australia, discovered on a dive by friends of mine.
Did you know? Green turtles get their name from the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat, not their shells.
He is my first painting of an ocean creature and my eyes were taken on an extraordinary journey into this underwater world of colours & textures.
Green turtles are on the endangered species list. Along with the dangers of fishing nets, their eggs are overharvested, adults are hunted for their parts and as a source of food, and they are gradually losing their beach nesting sites.
I hope that in some way, celebrating the beauty of these turtles through art, will help raise awareness of their plight!
SHOP
This turtle is available as a print (in a range of sizes + framed finishes) & a greeting card.
Click button to view buying options
Come take a look at him in Putney Library, where he features as a print, card and clock!
My exhibition at Putney Library ends next week (Friday 15th). For all exhibition details click the button below.
Jed's Portrait Story
Spotlighting my portrait of this beautiful Border Collie, Jed. Watch a little video showing how his portrait developed and what Jed made of the finished framed painting!
Today's Testimonial is spotlighting my portrait of Jed, a beautiful Border Collie, whose adventuring you can follow @jedstagram_
In his youth he rounded up sheep in Scotland. Now retired, he lives in Devon, is a big fan of cuddles and is the proud older brother to Rose, his human sister.
Watch this little video showing how the portrait evolved and what it looked like finished and framed.
Here’s what Hannah, Jed’s human, had to say about it
Susie is incredibly talented, and has created the most beautiful and professional digital portrait of our beloved border collie, Jed. She has captured him brilliantly, and we look forward to him watching us from the wall every day! Exceptional. Can’t recommend Susie highly enough!
Commission Bookings for September are now open! For more info about my Commission Service click the button below
New Print Launch - Boris the Cob!
My painting of Boris, the Cob is now available as a fine art Print and greeting card! Find out who Boris is and watch his portrait story.
I am happy to report Boris, the cob is now available as a fine art print (in a range of sizes & finishes) & a greeting card!
I was introduced to Boris, the cob, in 2021. He is a sensitive soul with a peculiar fear of plastic bags which, on one occasion, caused him to jump sideways onto a passing car!
Full charge in a hunt, he is nothing if not enthusiastic. He is affectionately known as the 'slightly malcoordinated tank' being big and a little on the clumsy side.
I painted him in his winter coat & was completely mesmerised by all the shifting textures and colours I found there.
To browse your buying options click the button below!
Aiva's Story
A Tuesday Testimonial, spotlighting the story behind this portrait of the mischievous Aiva!
Spotlighting Aiva's portrait for today's Tuesday Testimonial!
Aiva is a kitty full of character and mischief with plenty of appetite for adventure and will pinch your pineapple off a summer mojito given the chance!
Would highly recommend you follow her entertaining antics, click here to have a look: https://www.instagram.com/not_your_typical_persian/
For more info about how my commission service works click the button below.
Bookings for August are now open! Happy Tuesday hopping!
Kovu's Story
Discover the story behind my portrait of Kovu - just one of the paintings to feature in my new exhibition at Putney Library, opening tomorrow!
Today I'm spotlighting my portrait of the lovely Kovu.
I worked closely with Kovu’s owner Amy to get to the heart of his story, exploring his character and passions as well as the special points of reference in Amy and Kovu’s relationship. His portrait was a celebration of all these things.
The reference image we decided upon, with his lion-like locks, was the perfect nod to the origins of his name, inspired by the character from Lion king 2. The mini tennis ball and paddle board hanging from his collar also paid tribute to two of his favourite pastimes.
The beaded collar, a special gift from Amy’s father in Kenya, and usually hidden by Kovu’s fur, was placed centre stage as an imagined addition to the strap of his body harness. Finally, the date 22.11.20 was added to the disc at his collar to commemorate the day Kovu joined his family.
Come and take a look at this portrait in person at my new exhibition, opening tomorrow at Putney Library!
For all exhibition info, click the button below!
Easter Greetings
Easter Greetings from Lambkin the Lamb! Showing the journey of this painting, from loose line sketch to finished print.
Portrait of Lambkin, Digital oil painting
Easter greetings from Lambkin the lamb!🌻
This was a little fella I was introduced to last year. Though the smallest of a pet lamb group, he was a determined character, always first in line at feeding time and full of playful good humour.
Here showing the journey from loose line digital sketch to finished physical painting, professionally printed on thick hahnemuhle paper with rich pigmented inks.
Capturing a happy sunset moment of Lambkin hopping about in a garden, bathed in a magical glow 😊
As a traditional artist, used to working in oil on canvas, I still find it such a thrill to see how my digital paintings translate to physical paintings you can touch and hold.
For more info about this painting click the button below
Wishing you all a very cheerful Easter Sunday!☀️
Millie & Doughie's Portrait Story
From loose line sketch to unboxing the finished framed portraits, watch a little walk through of the commission process for these two lovable characters.
Timid & gentle Millie & Doughie, a 20kg ball of loving energy are the subjects of today's portrait deep dive.
Have a watch as I walk you through my journey with them from loose sketched line to finished framed portraits unboxed by their mum Sarah.
Whether a simple character portrait, showing the cheeky sparkle in a subjects eye or something with more story, weaving in objects or anecdotes with special meanings; my specialty is creating artworks that bring to life personalities in beautiful colour and detail.
I have one commission slot left for April and am now taking bookings for May.
Do you have a character in your life in need of a portrait?
SAY HELLO with any Qs, I’m always happy to chat through ideas!
For info about my commission service click the button below.
Click the button below to watch the full timelapse for each painting.
Shining Eyes, A Work in Progress
A glimpse at what is on the digital easel this week, showing my progress on my portrait of Treacle, in particular focusing in how I paint his eyes.
A commission in progress…sharing a little glimpse of Treacle's portrait.
Showing his eyes gradually taking shape; shining globes of wisdom and experience set within a beautifully chaotic frame of bushy eyebrows and fur - loving the journey they are taking me on!
Eyes do a lot of talking, communicating so much without words and are definitely one of my favourite features to paint.
Further updates to follow!
Would you like me to capture the unique sparkle in your dog's eyes?
I have one more commission slot available in April up for grabs which might interest you!
Feel free to get in touch or click the button below to explore more info on my commission service.
Exploring Watercolour
Going on a journey with digital watercolour, showing a mini timelapse of my experiments in this medium whilst working on a new commission.
Been diving into digital watercolour this week, working on a new commission, exploring the world of illustration.
I naturally gravitate towards oil paints, with their solid buttery textures and flexibility, I know where I am with them, they are a familiar friend. Watercolours have always been a little outside my comfort zone, being more unpredictable in nature.
I have however two commissions I am working on, which require a more delicate approach, and watercolour is the perfect medium.
Rebelle 4, the painting software I use, is pretty astounding in how it replicates the way watercolours behave and move, spreading, dripping, diffusing across the page.
Not certain where it would lead me, I began this week with an open mind, keeping my approach light and playful - swipe to watch a little time-lapse!
Gradually a rhythm emerged and, dare I say it, a friendship!
Goes to show how much we can learn when we delve into new territory and what treasures we can find!
To find out more about my commission service click the button below.
The Pawfect Partnership - Kovu's Finished Portrait
The final chapter of Kovu’s portrait story. Discover what elements inspired this painting and watch the big reveal, when Kovu and his owner see his portrait for the first time!
Happy to reveal the finished portrait of my pet portrait prize winner Kovu!
As some of you remember, last October I teamed up with local Pet Au Pair Business @Pawpairs to launch this giveaway and Kovu was announced the winner just before Christmas!
I worked closely with Kovu’s owner Amy to get to the heart of Kovu’s story, exploring his character and passions as well as the special points of reference in Amy and Kovu’s relationship. His portrait was a celebration of these things.
The reference image we decided upon, with his lion-like locks, was the perfect nod to the origins of his name, inspired by the character from Lion king 2. The mini tennis ball and paddle board hanging from his collar also paid tribute to two of his favourite pastimes. The beaded collar, a special gift from Amy’s father in Kenya, and usually hidden by Kovu’s fur, was placed centre stage as an imagined addition to the strap of his body harness. Finally, the date 22.11.20, was added to the disc at his collar to commemorate the day Kovu joined his family.
Kovu’s portrait was presented to him and Amy this week at Pawpairs HQ, much to everyone’s excitement [see video below]. Kovu’s portrait was painted using digital oil paints on a computer [see timelapse below] I then arranged the professional printing and framing.
As perhaps you know, I offer a commission service specialising in story-telling paintings of people, animals and treasured objects and I am now taking on new commissions for April.
Do you have a commission idea? if so I welcome you to get in touch by clicking the button below
Kovu’s Story & Portrait Presentation Ceremony
Timelapse of Kovu’s Portrait
Hello from the Studio
Revealing a little glimpse behind the scenes, showing work in progress on my latest portrait and sharing two very inspiring podcasts which have got me rethinking the way I breath and the impact breathing can have on our well being.
Waving a hello from the studio and sharing a glimpse of the progress on my latest portrait.
I am happily at sea in this glorious mane of hair which I am slowly refining the details of and it's all getting a little bit magical!
I shall reveal the full portrait and story soon!
Whilst painting I have also been listening to a couple of excellent podcasts I was recently recommended about nasal breathing. I found them hugely eye opening and in some ways life changing, as I have begun to apply aspects of what I am learning.
I want, in turn, to pass on the recommendation to all of you in the hope that they may also be of benefit and help spread the word about just how powerful our breathing can be on a chemical level and how transformative.
The two podcasts in question are:
#99 how breathing through your nose will change your life with Patrick Mckeown
#124 why changing the way you breath will transform your body and mind with James Nestor
They come from the podcast series 'Feel Better, Live More' hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee (GP & Author) which is one to subscribe to in general for the quality insights and conversations you can find there.
My current breathing challenge is jogging with the mouth shut - what's yours?
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend full of good nasal breathing!
Introducing Jude, The Sphynx Cat
Introducing my finished portrait of Jude, the conclusion to all my knitting in paint! Read the full story and watch a short time-lapse showing this portrait from loose line sketch to finished painting.
The conclusions of last week’s painted knitting!
Presenting my finished commissioned portrait of the amazing Sphynx cat Jude, dressed in a modified woolly sock and clutching a crocheted Chewbacca.
This was my first encounter with a sphynx cat and painting her was extraordinary . Various references crossed my mind: cat, little wise old lady, ET.
Certainly not conventional, there was something both familiar and other worldly about her, add to which a very expressive, comical sense of character.
I've included a mini time-lapse below of my journey using digital oil brush and paint to build the portrait up from a rough line sketch to the finished painting.
I am now taking commission bookings for 2022, so feel free to get in touch or click the button below to explore my commission service.
Celebrating World Black Dogs Day
Celebrating World Black Dog day with this portrait I did of a wonderful dog called Guinness. Talking about how black fur is just as rich as any other colour to paint.
“I just wanted to thank Susie for the superb portrait she did of Guinness. It has proved extremely difficult to get photos of him over the years as, being black, he does not come out that well.
In his 17+ years we probably only have a handful of decent pics! It was fascinating watching, online, how she built the picture up and the finished article captures him to a tee, his posture, look and essence. I never realised how specialised digital painting was, taking a treasured photo as reference and creating an artwork that incorporates the very spirit of the subject.
It now has pride of place in our Dining Room and has been greatly admired by all his/our friends who we shared it with. It is the first time we have tried getting a portrait of Guinness and it was so easy I wish we had thought of it before. Once again many thanks, it will be part of the family for decades to come.”
In honour of #worldblackdogday on Friday, I am looking back on the portrait I did of the wonderful Guinness or Guinness Maximilian Cowley to give him his full title.
It was such a joy to see how this portrait was received by his family and interesting to hear about their struggle to get good images of him over the years because of his colour.
When I see any colour I see the myriad of colours that make it up. So black becomes a mesmerizing blend of blues, purples, greys, browns, pinks...I could go on!
It was a pleasure to bring Guinness to life in colour and create for his family an artwork that will be treasured for years to come.
Do you have a black dog that you've always wanted to celebrate? Now could be your chance!
I am running a very special pet portrait giveaway this month, in partnership with the brilliant team @pawpairs in Wandsworth.
Click the button below to find out how to enter
AND...be in with a chance to win a beautifully painted, completely bespoke portrait of your animal!
Also a shout out to Colleen Paige who created world/international black dog day in honour of her beloved black dog and to draw attention to the plight of many abandoned black dogs looking for a home.
Follow @worldblackdogday for more info!
Hug Your Hound Day
Celebrating a special Lurcher called Luna on this special Hug your Hound Day. Read on to find out her story.
Luna, digital painting
Today I'm celebrating Luna or 'Loopy' as she is also affectionately known by her family.
Rescued at 6 months of age from death row kennels in 2017, she arrived at her new home with no house training and on hyper alert to everything around her. Overtime and with patience she gradually settled in.
Now a canicross team with owner Jo (a kind of dog/human jogging duo), a wonderful companion to Jo's toddler and a happy playmate with Doug her younger lurcher buddy (who I have also painted).
Given that Luna is always on the move, so much so that she even 'runs in her sleep,' it was a particular fluke that Jo managed to snap a picture of her standing still.
Also wonderful that such a restless, active soul should in turn give rise to several hours worth of my own quiet, contemplation and study in creating this portrait of her.
Today is also #hugyourhoundday, so if you are within reach of a loveable hound you know what to do!