Coton De Tulear by Milton Ontario Artist Julie Deans

Just finished this piece for a client, a gorgeous Coton De Tulear named Simba. I've never actually seen one of these little guys in person, but I hear that they make great companions.

This is an 8"x10" mechanical pencil piece on Strathmore Bristol Smooth paper.

I'm loving the tonal contrast and details that I am able to achieve with the mechanical pencil, so I think I've found my new favorite medium.

If you are interested in having your pet's portrait completed, feel free to email me at julie@juliesillustration.com or visit my website at www.juliesillustration.com for details.

At this time, I will only be offering pencil portraits.

Schnauzer, by Artist Julie Deans

I just finished working on this little pup over the weekend, and am on my way to deliver it to the client today. A nice little 5"x7" in pencil makes a perfect Christmas gift. I do love the smaller drawings. I am still able to create all the detail needed, but in a nice compact package, easy to frame and place anywhere in your home.

And, if you're looking for a terrier-type dog, with a little less 'tude, and a non-shedding coat, the mini's are the guys for you. Super smart and a nice size, they make great family dogs and excellent agility competitors.

As always, if anyone is interested in having a portrait of their pet or loved one completed, please do not hesitate to contact me, and visit my website for details:

www.juliesillustration.com

CONTEST WINNER!!

I happy to announce the I've drawn my portrait contest winner!

The winner is Shelley, and she will get a 5"x7" portrait completed of her late coonhound Maggie (shown above).

I'm really looking forward to getting started ... hopefully sooner than later. Seriously, anyone looking for a house to buy? I've got the perfect one right here. Milo is waiting patiently under my spare bed to be finished.

Congratulations to Shelley!! And thanks to all those who entered.

Coloured Pencil Portrait - Jaida

Beautiful Jaida, finished a few days ago. This is an 8"x10" coloured pencil piece that was an absolute pleasure to complete. 

I have been in the process of returning to 8"x10" pieces, instead of the 9"x12" pieces listed on my web site. For some reason, frames for 9"x12"s are almost non-existent now in the retail stores, and I prefer to create pieces that are ready to frame for my clients so that it is not necessary for them to go out and pay 100's of dollars for custom framing. Many of the frames that can be purchased through retail outlets are quite nice, and there is a large variety to choose from in the 8"x10" size.

It is a shame, because the 9"x12" is a really nice size, and the paper is readily available at art supply stores, but I would like to stick with a size that makes life easier for my clients. So there will be a small price adjustment to reflect the smaller size on my pricing page.

Busy Time of Year

This is the time of year that commissions always pick up. Of course, they make great gifts at Christmas, but that means I have much less free time - no complaints here though, I love doing portraits!

Tequila, the adorable little Chihuahua, is almost complete. A few more area's to darken here and there, plus an addition of some memorial text and the the portrait will be finished. I've added the other half of the portrait below, and will post the full image once all the bits and pieces are done.

I am also currently working on a beautiful, male Husky for a client, in coloured pencil. This portrait is coming along nicely, and I'm really pleased with the textures and tones that I am able to create with the pencil crayons. This portrait will be completed as  9"x12", and is also a gift for my clients other half. A small sample below of the portrait progression so far.

In the mean time, Brandy has managed to pick up two, yes that's TWO qualifying runs in Steeplechase. A class that we always had difficulty with, and I can not count the number we've taken a stab at it and failed. We have always used the class as a warm-up, something that I didn't overly care about, and it gave her a chance to wind up before the rest of the runs. Steeplechase is always first where I trial, so it was perfect warm-up run. Never in a million years did I think that these "warm-up" runs would amount to anything, but they certainly have now. Our goal, 8 more qualifying runs next year to obtain her Steeplechase title. Lofty? Perhaps. Is she capable? Most definitely. Am I capable? Sometimes I wonder, but we're going for it anyway.