I have recently finished the commissioned portrait of Frankie, a beautiful whippet. This portrait is a drawing subtly coloured using watercolour washes and coloured pencil.

Using caste shadows

I like to use caste shadows to ground the figure against a neutral background. The client’s photograph does not show Frankie’s shadow so I created a believable shadow.  The light comes from the left/ back of the photograph so the shadow would fall slightly to the right and front. The  neutral back ground enhances the  whippet and similarly makes for a strong focus. By using this technique of portrait drawing I realised my aim of enhancing Frankie’s beautiful colourings and likewise her  stunning overall appearance.