Archie is finished :)

Posted on by Zara Toms
I recently shared a work in progress update of Archie's painting. I always love working in acrylics and this was no exception. All those curls, using my liner brushes and capturing those lovely tonal differences. I also got to paint his brother Ollie which I will share tomorrow :). If you would like to see a video reel of this painting head over to my Facebook page :) ACRYLIC TIER ON PATRE...
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Meet Doodles & Daz

Posted on by Zara Toms
Doodles was Daz's mum. Sadly, Doodles is no longer with us and she had a very special bond with her owner. Initially the portrait was just going to be of Doodles but when I was asked to incorporate Daz I got to work creating a layout that worked best. I love drawing horses in pastels. As horses have that much shorter coat and variations in their facial structure that causes many highlights and sh...
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Is Patreon for you?

Posted on by Zara Toms
On the 1st February I launched my Patreon channel. Super excited! I am so grateful for each person who has signed up. I am working hard on new content to build that library. There is already over 15 hours of video to watch right away as soon as you sign up. NEW WEBSITE There is one thing about Patreon I am not overly keen on is the video layout. Each post/video I upload just becomes part of t...
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Meet Larry

Posted on by Zara Toms
Last week Larry made it to his home in Ireland. I loved capturing him in this pastel portrait. His tail is just - cute! In the photograph I was working from he had a blue harness. He typically wears a red one so his owner asked if I could make this change in the portrait :) A4 (8.3" x 11.7") Pastel Portrait His owner wanted a subtle shadow underneath him which worked well given that his col...
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New Video – 6 hour version on Patreon :D

Posted on by Zara Toms
Do you struggle with drawing fur on the Spaniels ear? Is black fur something you may find a little challenging? The 17 minute sped up version with voice over packed with tips and techniques is over on my YouTube channel but if you're looking for something in depth, step by step Patreon may be what you're looking for.This portrait is available from start to finish over on my Patreon channel. I spl...
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Henry’s Close Up

Posted on by Zara Toms
I was asked to draw Henry shortly after I found my love for pastels. The benefit of tailing backgrounds, layering light over dark and the blending options is what made me switch from colour pencil to pastels and I haven't looked back. Henry is a very sweet Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with those very expressive eyes that all Spaniels have. It's the first thing I noticed when I looked at the ...
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Archie in progress

Posted on by Zara Toms
New on my easel is Archie. I have had the pleasure of drawing Archie in colour pencil last year. Not only that but his brother Ollie to. I will attach these portraits below for you to see :). I have had the absolute pleasure of drawing their other canine family members. 5 other Cocker Spaniels and a Labrador not only each in colour pencil but also all 6 on a large canvas for an acrylic painting. ...
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PATREON GOES LIVE TODAY!

Posted on by Zara Toms
PASTEL TIERAt the moment I have just launched a pastel tier. I am still doing pet portrait commissions full time so in the very near future I am hoping to have more time to add an acrylic tier. That will be happening I just want to make sure I have the time to make the same quality in depth content.Click the link below to see what the tier includes :D PATREON LINK :D https://www.patreon.com/za...
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