Retriever Pencil Pet Portraits

The portrait of Kirby was completed in 2009! I can't believe how fast the years fly by. My client has already commissioned a second portrait of his new dog, Zip, in 2019. I have been drawing portraits for clients for over 20 years, and it is always wonderful when they return for more commissions. Scroll down to read more about the drawing and commission.

Kirby

About the Commission of Kirby

Craig, from the USA, emailed me in 2009 looking to commission a portrait of his best friend, Kirby. He sent some wonderful photos of Kirby out in the field, which were perfect for a pencil drawing. Craig liked the idea of an outdoor scene, as most of the photos he takes of Kirby are outside. He commissioned a 16 x 12-inch pencil drawing, which was an excellent size for a full-body portrait with a background.

Craig has a farm in North Dakota, just below the Canadian border, where he stays for part of the year. His pose for Kirby was chosen from that farm. Craig has no phone, no internet, and only receives a radio signal for about three hours per day. His nearest town is 21 miles away! That is truly rural living.

Craig was kind enough to email me photos of the portrait after it was framed and displayed in his home. He also sent me some lovely emails, which you can read below, along with additional photos of the framed portrait.

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Client Feedback

"Melanie,
He looks so handsome! It's the kind of picture I like. It makes you think of pleasant places and companionship—almost gets me teary. I wouldn’t change a thing about the drawing. I look forward to receiving it. Thanks so much.

Craig"

"The drawing arrived in the mail today, and it looks great! I can't wait to see it framed. I’ll send you a photo once it's done. Thanks again! I'm thinking K-Dog's picture will be hung next to a mounted duck. Pretty much every day, he goes over, jumps up and down, woofing at the duck—like he figures it needs retrieving again, I guess!"
- Craig

Retriever Pencil Pet Portraits

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the commission of Kirby and viewing the photos of the framed portrait. If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, please email me anytime via my contact page.

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"Hello Melanie,
I had the drawing framed already! The photo might not be the best because I kept getting reflections. The frame is a blue/grey speckled, barn board-style color. The second photo shows where I hung the sketch—next to a mounted duck and some old hunting calls. If you’re interested, the mounted duck was done by a local taxidermist who does very high-quality work. He was even commissioned by the US Dept. of Fish and Wildlife and the Smithsonian. I figured K-Dog’s portrait deserved to be in good company!

Take care,
Craig"

Commission a Drawing

Why not send me photos of your dog, cat or horse, I can help you choose the perfect photo for the drawing. We can chat about your pet and your ideas for a custom piece of artwork. Really looking forward to working with you!

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