The Look in a Pet’s Eyes

If you own a pet you will know that they have a different way of looking at you from the way they look at anyone else.  This is essential knowledge if a true pet portrait is to be painted for you.  (Also if you are to paint one.)  

I have owned 2 beautiful labrador cross dogs.  Both lived wonderful happy lives.  It was so very sad when they died.  The whole family miss them very much.  I remember Danny’s cocky way of challenging all who came near, not aggression, rather “and your business with the family is???”  He strutted about with head in the air and tail waving like a flag.  (A Fonzy in his mind)  He would sit beside our baby daughter’s crib and watch for hours, checking that we were not too far away either.  He was so full of mischief and fun, very much a boy. 

The other dog, Kelly was gentle and affectionate , very much the girl. She hated to be alone and whenever we left her for a couple of days, even though she was with family, she would look at us with such sadness it was hard to leave.  She always knew when we were going, no matter how secretively we planned it.  She was as smart as.   She would lean against us as if she wanted to be as close as possible. 

Prior to those times my family always had cats, not that we picked them out but rather they were dumped on our doorstep.  Mum always took them in and they were such characters.  Endless fun and joy. The only time one of them was not popular was when he ate the budgie.  

I do believe that lives are richer when pets are a part of it. 

When I paint pet portraits I know what is important in those familiar looks which bind an owner with their pet.  It is what I have been working towards in my art.  I am about to start a new commission of a beautiful Jack Russell.  She smiles this wonderful ball of energy.  I will keep you up to date as it progresses.