Kenny, the Mini Black Panther
Today I tell you about Kenny, the cat with Black Panther aspirations. Read on for the full story, along with a timelapse of how this digital painting progressed.
The famous South park line of ‘who killed Kenny?’ is flipped on it’s head by today’s furry friend, who is affectionately known as ‘Killer Ken’.
Described by his owners as a ‘real-life black Panther’ Kenny is a shrewd, calm and graceful hunter who takes his food very seriously. Moles, mice, squirrels and birds beware, even the neighbour’s dog’s food isn’t safe from Kenny’s grasp.
He is particular in his affections, not quick to show his soft side, nor one for being too fussed over or too ignored. In moments of real need however he will be the first by your side, to gently nose, cuddle and cheer you up. The yellow background is a nod to his owner’s comment ‘he is my little sunflower’, there to brighten and comfort.
This digital painting was another wonderful dive into the multi coloured, tonal party that is the fur of a black cat. I was working from a brilliant image which really caught all the nuances. I like how this plays out in the painting, with a very focused Kenny on the one hand and a dancing, moving mass of fur on the other.
As usual you can see the full timelapse in the video below.
As you are probably aware, I will officially be launching my commission service in May, but feel free to get in touch with any commission related Qs from now on in.
Dougie, The Beast from the East
Today’s digital painting celebrates the lovable ball of energy that is Dougie. Read all about his story and the lengths he will go to, to get a treat. Also watch a timelapse of how this painting was created.
At 20kg today’s Furry friend digital painting is one big bundle of East Midland cheer! Dougie is a Staffie cross, rescued as a pup and is now a lovable and loving hulk of energy or as his owner beautifully summed up ‘the softest smush on the planet.’
He is a big fan of ‘treats’ and will happily overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to gain possession of them; like the coat, hung out of reach, which was pulled down and demolished to get to the treat left in the pocket.
Whilst his nose is not red, I thought he was still a fitting tribute to Red Nose day in his spirit and character.
Watch the timelapse below to see how this digital painting evolved.
A Mother's Day Special
In honour of Mother’s day I pay special tribute to my wonderful mother through this digital painting. Read how it came about and watch a timelapse of how it developed.
Today I wanted to pay a special tribute to my wonderful mother through a digital painting. This was a long belated follow up to one happy afternoon I spent with her, talking about her life .
In this conversation various ideas emerged which I have tried to weave into this painting. The flowers on her top, a reference to the flora and fauna that she is constantly inspired by. The Robin, at once small and fragile but strong, is the creature that for her symbolises hope. The choice of palette which emphasises greens, whites and reds, was a gentle nod to her Italian roots. And finally the paint brush, a gesture to her profession as an artist and her joy in creating. The anchors on her scarf are more my own reflection of how she has been a true and steady presence to me throughout my life.
With this portrait comes my thanks to her for her unconditional love, for being the person to whom I can say anything to, for her strength and vulnerability, her humour and patience, and most powerfully for being the loving nurturing spirit in my life for which I will be eternally grateful!
Watch the timelapse below to see the painting in progress.
The Cat with Big Names
Today’s digital painting is celebrating a rather stocky moggie cat with some big namesakes to boast of.
Read all about his story and watch a timelapse of how this painting evolved.
Today we have another moggie cat, quite a stocky fella, with some great namesakes to boast. His official title is Samwell Tarly (I will be featuring another Game of Thrones associate of his in the weeks to come!) He is also affectionately known as BB8, being a bit on the round side.
This was such a super pose to paint, the light and angle where full of impact and really got me studying the intricate shifts of colours and textures in his face. I kept on thinking of him as a mini-Tiger, and he is apparently an enthusiastic hunter of mice. One wonders if he has just spotted one here.
For all this, he is allegedly not the brightest button in the box, but has, outside of predatory pursuits, a sweet and relaxed temperament.
Watch the video below to see how this painting evolved.
In the leadup to officially launching my commission service I also wanted to take this opportunity to ask what questions you might have about commissioning a digital artwork, so do let me know in the comments below.
Portrait of Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon - A painting Spotlight
To celebrate International Women’s day, I have put together a special 10 minute spotlight on my portrait of the wonderful Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, where I tell all about her and the story behind the painting.
Happy International Women’s Day!
In honour of the day I wanted to share a portrait I did of a very special lady called Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon. Here it is, all 100 x 100 cm of canvas.
To find out the whole story behind the painting I have put together a fun 10 minute video, where I tell you how it came about, take you on a tour around the portrait and reveal a very exciting new feature which I will be demoing toward the end!
Click play on the video below to watch, hope you enjoy and do let me know what you make of the surprise feature in the comments below.
Guinness, The 'Battersea' Veteran
Read all about the inspiration for today’s Furry Friend digital painting, a dog with a fantastic name, not to mention a wise spirit. Also watch the timelapse showing how this painting evolved
Today’s Furry Friend digital painting pays tribute to a bit of a veteran. Presenting Guinness Maximilian Cowley, 17 years wise, and still an enthusiastic licker of the Sunday roast gravy tray!
His breed is affectionately referred to as ‘Battersea’ a nod to Battersea dog and cat home from whence he came.
In his youth he was frequently led on a fool’s chase by rabbits, getting himself lost in the brambles on Wimbledon common. Now he takes a more thoughtful approach to life, and you will often find him sat on the patio steps with ‘Doggy Bear’, his soft toy and confident, contemplating the world together.
Painting him was great fun. Despite his age, the energy in his eyes was wonderful to explore and the salt and pepper colours of his fur took my digital brushes on a happy journey.
Watch the timelapse below to see how this painting evolved.