I don't post works in progress very often. But sometimes I like to see the way things are built up over time and keep a record of it.

So here is my current "commission." This is a bit different than my others as well because I chose to go with a bit more colorful palette rather than the more natural tones I generally work with.

Main sketch with a small portion rendered:


A couple hours' more work:


Filling out nicely:


And that's where it stands as of this morning. I'll post more as I go.

It looks great and the ears are a definite give-away as to who the model is!!!

Wow that is going to look awesome!

i love to see the progression

Thanks for posting this! So cool to see them take on life. I love how the personality starts to come through & how you layer the color/shading. Can't wait to see the final!

Hummmmm wonder who that could be????? Whoever she is, she is certainly beautiful! Nice work!

Beautiful work! You are a very talented artist. Thanks for sharing the process with us!

Beautiful work as usual, Jamie!

Absolutely lovely Jamie!!

Wow! I want one!

Thanks for the lovely comments, everyone.

First update of the new year. Eyes are done!

I for one, cannot wait to see the finished product. You did the eyes just perfect!

And I know it's weird to notice this, but I like how you did her tongue! Very realistic!

Do you do your portraits the same each time? In other words work the nose 1st, muzzle 2nd etc. or is it just whatever you feel like working 1st?

I just love how real your work is.
I recently bought a book that shows how to sketch different types fur/hair/feathers etc, but man it sure looks easier than it is!

Pretty much. I am a creature of habit. I always start with the nose and work my way outward in a somewhat circular pattern. I occasionally skip over portions I don't feel like working on at the time. Usually parts that are complicated when I'm not in the mood to think while I'm drawing. I usually complete the face first, then ears, then neck. I used to do eyes last but now I do them pretty much once I get to that area.

I am blown away by your talent, just amazing!

So awesome, I love seeing the in-progress step-by-step. Do you do these for others??

Falon, I have been doing pet portraits as a "business" since 2001. Most of the work I do is commissioned. It's actually pretty rare that I do work for myself.

Ohhh I am soooo saving your name/link/business - will be asking for something in the future for bday I think Thanks, you are very talented!

Thanks!!

I only spent another 1-1.5 hours on it but wanted to post progress anyway. I won't have time to work on it for another few days and this gives me some time to analyze what I have and make tweaks if needed.

Jamie - Thank you for sharing the WIP - It's an amazing process to watch.

Very nice work! Is that Troy?

No. It's the Mutt-Mutt! (Risa!)

Lookin good Miss Risa!!!

Finally had a chance to get a bit more work done:

Now I recognize the mutt! Great job, as usual.

Wow, she is really looking good!!!

Awesome- love it!

Me too! That is really coming along! Getting anxious for the finish!

Slowly getting there. . .

I am so obsessed with watching this progress - I love it! Thanks for sharing!!!

Well, those ears sure tell the story! Awesome.

Jamie - your drawing of Ris is just unbelievable. You have captured not only her looks but her personality - the detail is just amazing. You are a great artist!!

Fantastic work!

Me too!!!!

Thank you! It's a lot easier to capture personality when you know the subject as well as I know this one. I'm really, really proud of how this portrait is turning out.

A few more hours spent. Her left ear is taking much longer than the right did. I'm now over 50% done! And I also wanted to make sure I posted progress when I had some of the 'underpainting' showing.

Jamie - I'm so glad you're posting this the way you are. I find it fascinating the way this picture is taking shape. I would give anything to have your talent!

Fabulous!

LOVE IT!!!!!!

Now that is what I call a REAL artist!!! I marvel at people who can recreate what they see, so beautifully! What a talent!

Since I was "close enough" to being done, I decided I was going to just stay up and finish the drawing before heading to bed. I don't do that too often but it's sort of nice to on occasion.

I actually thought I wouldn't be able to do a portrait of my own pet. I'm so picky when it comes to the portraits that I thought I'd only be able to see the glaring errors and never be able to enjoy the drawing. Fortunately, that didn't turn out to be the case at all. This is one portrait I am glad I don't have to part with! It was a lot of fun to work on; especially with the more vivid color scheme. I'm pretty darn proud of this piece. It captures my silly, grinny girl to a T.

So, without further ado:

Jamie, it's great. You do such outstanding work, and this one is really really special

Wow Jamie, that is amazing!

Stunning!! I *need* a portrait!

Just incredibly beautiful and life-like!

Jamie, that is AMAZING!!! And you SHOULD be VERY proud of it!!

that is fantastic! thanks for sharing the process. most interesting.

Amazing!! How long do you think that took you?

Jamie - it is flawless. It's so "real" it almost looks like a photograph of Ris. The best you've ever done (of the ones I've seen)!!! Congrats and you should be VERY proud!!!

Risa looks real! Like she can just jump off the canvas. Beautiful!!!

I wish I had kept track. I know I started it on December 16 and finished it January 25 so that's about a month and a half. Hours-wise, I can only guesstimate. Maybe between 18-20 hours.

Absolutely perfect!!! She is just lovely, and you did a wonderful job of capturing her spirit. Thanks for the step by step photos along the way, this was really neat to see come together!

Beautiful work, Jamie. Absolutely stunning. You are a very talented artist.

Great work Jamie! That's Miss Grinny Girl!

Now that just made me smile. What personality shines out of that portrait!

You certainly nailed it! What talent (and such a great subject, too.)

That is fabulous!

Thank you all!

Jamie - that is amazing, I've come back over and over just to look at it again

Oh my gosh, I missed this! It is terrific! WOW.

Started out with a terrific sketch & just kept getting better & better!! I loved to see the colors you used & how they effect the final outcome highlights etc.

Thanks for taking the time to post your progress. I really enjoy looking at this progression.

WOW - that portrait is absolutely amazing. Incredible. You are one very talented artist!