A Recently Commissioned Pet Portrait

Hello Dear Reader,

Once again, this blog has been neglected. This probably goes without saying by now as with every new post it's been a while since the last. It's not that I haven't been painting or taking commissions... It's more that a lot of my time and attention goes into making sure my customers are happy with their paintings, rather than into marketing myself online.

Phew, got out of that one. Anyway, I'm sorry Blog, I never meant to hurt you so.

Above is a recent pet portrait commissioned by a customer from Solihull. It depicts their family pet dog and was gratefully received by the commissioner and their family member who received it as a surprise gift.

I'm really pleased with how it turned out. The photo supplied was very clear and high resolution, which meant I was able to put in a lot of detail and get a very good likeness, without having to guess, or to make assumptions about how the subject actually looks in real life! You may laugh, but I get asked to do portraits from some, shall we say, GODAWFUL photographs that are not in any way representative of the subject. You know who you are... ;)

If you would like to commission a pet portrait, or a human portrait for that matter, please visit my website - www.artbylukebennett.com.
Keen-eyed followers may notice that the website has received a bit of an overhaul, a fresh lick of paint as it were. I've spent a couple of days tidying things up, out with the old black and gold layout and in with a fresher, cleaner look. I like it, I hope you will too!

An Offer You Can't Refuse - Commission a Pencil Portrait!

This pencil portrait was commissioned recently as an 80th birthday present. It shows the birthday boy back in the 50s, looking a little bit like a member of the Corleone family*. I really like the end result, the image is quite striking and very evocative of the time.

Whilst the reference photo was a strong one in terms of look and character, the size of the image made the sketch a little more challenging, as there was not a huge amount of detail to work with. This meant that I had to use a lot of artistic license in order to make up for the lack of visual fidelity.

If you want to make me an offer I can't refuse, please get in touch via my website, www.artbylukebennett.com where you can view more original artwork or commission a portrait.

*I'm certain the resemblance is purely superficial.

Pet Portrait - Coda the puppy

It's been a while since I've posted, but not for lack of arty output. I've kept my evenings busy for the last few months doing various commissions. One of my recent favourites is this acrylic on canvas puppy portrait of Coda, a cute little German Shepherd. I say 'little'... She's actually huge now, but just as cute.

The portrait painting was commissioned as a surprise gift from one of Coda's owners to the other.

I enjoyed this painting as I had free reign to make it as 'painty' as I wanted, so I happily slapped on the paint thickly and loosely. The result is a painting that looks different from every angle with the gloss reflecting boldly in the light off the highly textured surface.

If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait, please visit my website, www.artbylukebennett.com

Hampton-in-Arden Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition, October 2012.

Once again I will be displaying work at the annual Hampton-in-Arden Arts, Crafts and Photography Exhibition, this coming weekend. 

Taking place on Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of October 2012, between 10am and 5pm.

The Exhibition is held at Fentham Hall, Marsh Lane, Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH.
Entry costs just £1 and children get in free.

I will be exhibiting two pieces of original work; 'Here Comes the Sun' and 'Tiger Tiger', (more details here). Both pieces are available to buy via my website, as well as open edition prints on archival paper or box canvas.

Solihull, Hampton and Warwickshire residents wishing to commission a painting (pet portraits, human portraits or other), please feel free to approach me if you attend the exhibition! Or get in touch via the contact form to the right or on artbylukebennett.com.