Step by Step Portrait - Horse Portrait Process

I titled this piece "Black on Black"...

This was my reference photo that my client provided for me. Stunning photo I might add. 

Its very rare for me to receive a reference photo of a horse from this angle - straight on.  Typically, it's not a very flattering view because the rest of the body because foreshortened and looks goofy when recreated in a portrait.

I knew I would have to take some risks to bring this portrait to it's full potential.

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(above) Almost all of my pet portraits begin with a sketchy outline like this. I spend a lot of time perfecting lines, ensuring that the drawing is impeccably accurate before filling in any kind of color.

(Right) I use pastel pencils to get a sharp, accurate line.

(Left) Next, I use pastel sticks to lay in colors. This is a very rough process - I don't worry too much about detail.  The main goal is to put some color on the paper.

When I'm dealing with a black horse, I like to exaggerate the colors I see. It adds depth and interest to the portrait. 













(Below) This is a point where I stop applying the pastel and start to use my fingers to blend the colors together.

All of the colors for the face are laid in and blended. Note that the only areas that are actually black are to show shadow.

If you look closely here you can see the hair texture I put in.  I use pastel pencils to create that texture.

(Above) A close-up of the detail for the bridle and bit.

(right) I wanted a warm undertone for the rest of the body, as I needed a contrast from the black background.

(below) I applied a warm grey over the brown.

(Below) The last steps before filling in a background were the hair in the ears, forelock, and of course those lip whiskers. :)

The Final Portrait
See how all those blues and browns stand out?