Occasionally people will ask to see some of my pet portraits along with the reference photos used. I thought I'd share a few here and start with some cat portraits.
I usually like to work from one main photo for the pose and basic markings and use additional photos to help with other details, color, to get a sense of personality, or anything else that is unclear in the main reference.
Above, a portrait of two kittens, Willoughby and Magnus. I thought this was a great reference and I kept the painting pretty similar other than the clarification of the right kitten's body and tail. An 8x10" watercolor.
Above is another of my favorite cat portraits, this is Everett. A 5x7" watercolor portrait and one of the reference photos use. Although it's easier to draw from one main reference, sometimes I have to create something new from multiple pictures.
Below, the reference for a portrait of an orange cat, and resulting watercolor painting - another 5x7" portrait.
