PHOTOGRAPHING MABEL
Part of Mabel’s visit was for me to get some photographs from which I could draw her portrait. I thought this could be a challenge, seeing how much energy Mabel had. I needn’t have worried. A few tasty treats had her sitting so obediently, I couldn’t believe my eyes. She had the sweetest quiver of excitement, as she focused every bit of her attention on staying still for that treat.
CAPTURING MABEL’S SWEETNESS AND JOY
It was clear from meeting Mabel that she already had a fantastic connection with Tracy and Stephan. Her eagerness to please, and joyful personality, were really important factors to get across in her portrait.
We chose a pose where she sat sweetly looking up at her owners, with a beautiful smile and glint in her eyes. It perfectly captured her fluffy ears, and little heart shaped marking on her chest. It also showed off the cute tag on her collar.
Tracy and Stephan opted for my largest size. They knew it would hang in their living room, and they wanted their portrait to be a visually stunning centre piece, that would radiate Mabel’s cheerful personality.
We chose a light blue background for her portrait, to reflect Mabel’s love of being outdoors exploring.
I asked Tracy and Stephan if they’d like to see progress photos of Mabel’s portrait coming together. Tracy was keen that she wanted that magical moment of unwrapping it and seeing it for the first time on her special day. And so, I made sure to keep everything under wraps in the lead up to Tracy’s birthday.
FRAMING MABEL’S PORTRAIT
Tracy and Stephan opted for me to get their portrait professionally framed for them. I’d discussed with Tracy and Stephan their preference for frame style and colours. I used this knowledge, together with the framer’s expertise, to choose a suitable frame and mount that complimented Mabel’s portrait perfectly.
THE PERFECT BIRTHDAY GIFT
On Tracy’s birthday, I received a very excited call from her, saying how happy and thrilled she was to receive Mabel’s portrait. It was everything they’d hoped for and more. They were both absolutely over the moon with it and couldn’t believe how lifelike it was.
