Lorna Lancaster Fine Art Professional Equestrian Artist Essex UK
Traditionally Painted Commissioned Dog and Horse Portraits.
How I work from photographs
Choosing the Perfect Reference Photograph
A successful portrait begins with a great reference photograph. If possible, I recommend sending me a selection of images so that we can choose the one that will translate best into a painting. If you already have a favourite photograph, I'm always happy to advise whether it will work well and discuss any adjustments that may enhance the final composition.
Together, we will consider the overall mood and style you would like your portrait to convey. Bright sunshine can create dramatic contrasts, rich colours and striking shadows, while photographs taken on a bright overcast day or in open shade produce softer, more subtle lighting with gentle transitions. Both approaches can create beautiful portraits, and choosing the right one depends on the atmosphere you wish to capture.
Most of my clients provide their own photographs, often taken on a mobile phone or camera. If you would like to use a professionally taken photograph, I will simply need written permission from the photographer before I can use it as a reference.
Photographing Dogs and Cats
For the most natural and engaging portraits, I recommend getting down to your pet's eye level rather than photographing them from above. This creates a much more intimate and flattering perspective, allowing their personality to shine through.
If you're using a smartphone, switch to Portrait Mode if available, and zoom to approximately 2.5x, giving a focal length of around 65mm. This produces a more natural perspective. A wide-angle lens can distort facial features, while excessive zoom tends to flatten the image. Taking a few photographs from different angles and in good natural light will give us plenty of options to choose from.
Working from Your Photographs
Once we have selected the ideal reference image, I produce a high-quality photographic print and work from that throughout the painting process. This allows me to study the finer details, colours and expressions while creating a portrait that captures not only an accurate likeness but also the character and spirit of your horse, dog or cat.
Professional Photoshoots
If you are local to Clacton-on-Sea, I also offer professional reference photography sessions within approximately 30 miles for an additional fee. This can be an excellent option if you would like a wider choice of images or don't have a suitable photograph. During the session I take a variety of photographs in different poses and lighting, giving us the best possible reference material for creating a unique and personal portrait.