2016 flashback!

Posted on by Zara Toms
'Wolf Peak' 18" x 24" Oil Painting on CanvasWolves reference photo by Wendy Salisbury I completed this painting at the end of 2015 and it was then the centre piece for my debut exhibition in May 2016. This was and is still to date the largest painting I have ever done. This painting took me ages to complete for a few reasons. The first being the downside of oils which is the drying time. As I ...
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Framing – Part Two Caring For Your Portrait

Posted on by Zara Toms
8" x 10" Oil Painting - Professionally FramedReference photograph: Wendy Salisbury Once your drawing or painting has been framed and you have your artwork home there are a few things to consider. I offer a variety of mediums including colour pencils, graphite pencils, oil and acrylic paintings and soon to be pastels. No matter what medium you choose for your portrait I only use lightfast mater...
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Framing – Part One

Posted on by Zara Toms
Framing A3 (11.7" x 16.5") Colour Pencil Portrait of Bonnie. Framing artwork is a really important aspect when considering how to look after your portrait. All my portraits are drawn on acid free artist quality paper. These should be mounted and framed behind glass. I always recommend a mount because it ensures that the portrait is not in contact with the glass. This portrait of Bonnie I had p...
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Airbrush with colour pencil

Posted on by Zara Toms
A3 (11.7" x 16.5") colour pencil portrait with airbrush background When I first purchased my airbrush setup a couple of years ago I didn't know if it would be something that would work with my other mediums. It's quite a large expense; the paints, airbursh and the compressor. Although I have had my airbrush for a couple of years I have only used it for 3 or 4 portraits. That is mainly due to ...
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‘Red Rarity’ Print

Posted on by Zara Toms
'Red Rarity' A4 (8.3" x 11.7") Colour Pencil PortraitReference photo by Gary Jones @ Wildlife Reference Photos This is the second drawing that I will be making limited addition prints of. As with 'First Few steps' the prints will be available in a couple of sizes and they will all be done by my local framer and art gallery. All prints will come with a certificate of authenticity and signed. I...
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‘First Few Steps’ Print

Posted on by Zara Toms
'First Few Steps' Original SoldReference photograph by Pam Donovan Sorry for the lack of posts this last couple of days. I got married over the weekend so things have been a little manic :). I mentioned on a previous blog post that I would like to offer limited edition prints on some of my wildlife pieces. This cute Gosling along with my Red Squirrel drawing are a couple of portraits I hav...
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The right photo makes all the difference..

Posted on by Zara Toms
A good quality reference photograph makes all the difference. One of the most important aspects of a pet portrait is a good reference photograph to work from. A strange angle, pixilated and poor quality photograph will not enable me to create the realistic portraits you typically see me create. If all the detail can be seen then it will enable me to capture all those in the portrait which will...
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Laser therapy makes you sleepy <3

Posted on by Zara Toms
Maisey had a follow up laser treatment from her vet friend Shelley. Shelley is veterinary surgeon who has her own business offering acupuncture, laser therapy, herbal medication and much more. Her compassionate, calm and knowledgeable care is second to none. After the laser therapy session Maisey was in a lovely deep sleep. She even slept past her dinner time! Due to Maiseys neurologi...
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New Wildlife Portraits Planned!

Posted on by Zara Toms
'Gorilla' A3 (11.7" x 16.5") Graphite Pencil PortraitReference photograph taken by Jan Willemsen @ Wildlife Reference Photos 99% of my year is always filled with pet portraits. I love capturing my clients much loved pets and feel very honored they trusted me to do so. But I always love working on something different and my wildlife art is a chance to do that. I always have a cut off point at ...
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Buddy Down Under!

Posted on by Zara Toms
A4 (8.3" x 11.7" Colour Pencil Portrait) I had the privilege of drawing Buddy a couple of months ago. Sadly, he crossed over rainbow bridge to young but as you can see he was spoilt rotten and loved life. This portrait was posted all the way out to Australia! I was given a few different photographs and Buddy's mum wanted something specific to capture him at his happiest. His favourite ball had...
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