Kalli: The Icon, 12" x 12" x 2" Canvas, Oil Paint, Foils
Guided by the bold spirit of Pop Art, my creative vision for this pet portrait was to elevate an incredible dog named Kalli into icon status, celebrated through dramatic color, vibrant energy, and shimmering foils.
Selection of Kalli Photos for Pet Portrait
Each pet I paint begins with a connection. Listening to their people, hearing their stories—this is where the soul of the portrait begins. Every fur friend is unique, and it’s through these shared memories that I begin to understand their essence. I don’t just paint what I see—I paint who they are.
The chosen photo for Kalli Pet Portrait.
For Kalli, I designed the layout with her personality at the forefront, selecting colors that reflect her unique spirit. Michelle, her human, selected her favorite palette: teal, pink, and purple. These hues became the foundation for the highlights and shadows in Kalli’s dynamic black-and-white fur. Her collar of honor, a vibrant and meaningful accessory, became a central feature—its woven patterns and colors brought to life with sparkling foils.
Closeup Kalli's Collar & Foils
Kalli was more than a pet—she was a nurturer, a protector, a friend to all. She helped raise children and offered love to every creature she met. Her legacy is one of compassion, playfulness, and unwavering loyalty. Although she passed away a few years ago, her spirit remains vivid, and it was my honor to capture that in paint.
Sketch of Kalli for Pet Portrait.
To capture her likeness, I studied multiple photographs, sketching in my book to understand her unique markings and structure. Cameras often lie, so I rely on many angles and expressions to build a truthful portrait.
Tracing sketch on canvas of Kalli.
After the basic drawing is done, it's time to trace the drawing onto a gesso-coated canvas that will be ready for oil paint.
Underpainting & foils for Kalli Portrait.
In the tradition of icon paintings, I used metallic foils—a nod to the gold leaf once used to bring light into sacred images. For Kalli, I applied gold foil to her eyes, later painting over them to create a lifelike gleam that catches the light and brings her gaze to life. Her heart-shaped ID tag shines in bright pink foil, while silver foils accent her chain, and gold adds warmth and depth.
Closeup Kalli Left Eye, Gold Foil with Oil Paint Highlights
The second layer of oil painting adds black and white over the underlayer of oil paint.
Kalli Pet Portrait Complete
12" x 12" x 2 1/2" Gesso Canvas & Oil Paint
The result is a portrait that doesn’t just depict Kalli—it celebrates her. She is now an icon, immortalized in color, light, and love. A tribute to a life well lived, and a spirit that will be cherished fur-ever.
BARK BARK Fur-well, Minaz
2 comments :
Kali is truly beautiful. Her eyes are filled with light and love. You truly captured her soul
You have no idea how much I will always treasure this portrait of my beautiful Kalli Dog. She was all the things you said and more, my playful sidekick, my doggie best friend. She licked away my tears many times and also gently gave each baby kisses when I brought them home for the first time. Always by my side and now forever in my heart. Thank you for capturing her beauty and gentle funny spirit so well.
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