# FINISHED AND FRAMED! - WIP -- "Sally" - first pet portrait commission - VERY nervous! **URL:** \ **Category:** Share Your Art\ **Created:** [April 7, 2023, 10:20pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935 "2023-04-07T22:20:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2023, 10:20pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/1 "2023-04-07T22:20:48Z")
Below are my reference photos and sketch of Sally, my friend’s cat. My friend asked me to do a portrait of Sally. I’m questioning every decision I’m making at this point, including size, materials, paper, whether I can actually do it, etc. I’m thinking I want to do the portrait with pan pastels and pastel pencils. My laid out picture plane is 8 x 10, pastelmat paper. I think I’m posting all this to garner any suggestions you guys might have and to have a place to post my in-progress images. Wish me luck, and please send along any advice you might have. ![SALLY](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/1/16aa391d94c088d01cabc178b3a54ddf55e69630.jpeg) ![sally_colors](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/8/810691cb2c47c2a0e869a91806db8a101ea64583.jpeg) ![sally face colors](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/4/4002fed9e3e06d0eeeefd9fbaffd4ef3609b368b.jpeg) ![IMG_0977](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/f/f4f01f809824d336d330d3f7a9e7307b3e260b75.jpeg) Brenda ---
**Author:** ![TLP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/45deac/32.png) [@TLP](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/TLP)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 12:10am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/2 "2023-04-08T00:10:26Z")
Hello Brenda, I think you are off to a good start. I do not have much experience with pastels, especially pan pastels as I do not have one. Does your friend want the whole cat or just a portrait? I do like the poise of the picture you sketched out better for the whole cat or even if she wanted just a portrait. The placement of the focal point looks like it is in one of the thirds and the tail brings some movement to the layout also. Maybe it you did a small, thumbnail sketch fully rendered, 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 first to get a feel for it. Don’t second guess yourself, if you have fun then it will show in the final piece of artwork. I did one of a friends cat, but just the face, stagnant image, turned out okay I suppose, I’ll put it here and maybe it will encourage you to have more confidence. Looking forward to the step by step progress. Teri ![IMG_0548](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/2/25efb418ce08c6fc21e144dc6a5fe3afbc4d432d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 1:01am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/3 "2023-04-08T01:01:24Z")
Thank you, Teri! I love the kitty you did! I think I’m a bit overwhelmed with all the colors that Sally has. My friend and I talked about the image, and decided a full-length, whole-body drawing would be nice. I think I’m going to proceed with it, and maybe come back with a second image of just a portrait of Sally’s face and upper body. She has such amazing eyes, but her paws are so cute, too! LOL! I’ve been playing with it. I think I’m leaning toward more pastel pencils than pan pastels or sticks. I might employ the sicks and pan pastels when I get to the body. However, at 8 x 10, the face is small enough that using anything larger than pencils would be really difficult. I so appreciate your input, Teri! And thanks for sharing your drawing. Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 1:35am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/4 "2023-04-08T01:35:34Z")
![IMG_0984](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/4/46b63d206f711c78b308780277b5759803ddab71.jpeg) so far, I think I’m happy with decisions so far. Nothing but Caran D’ache pastel pencils so far. Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 1:53am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/5 "2023-04-08T01:53:11Z")
I sure used the word “far” a lot, huh? Hmmmmmm? LOL! ---
**Author:** ![junenez](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/junenez/32/4004_2.png) [@junenez](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/junenez)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 8:12pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/6 "2023-04-08T20:12:54Z")
Brenda, That is looking amazing! Love that used a grid. Are you using just the pencils to have more control? I can’t wait to see how it progresses! ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 8:42pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/7 "2023-04-08T20:42:12Z")
Thanks, June! Yes, I was using the pencils for the face mainly. I got a bit farther along, and every started looking weird. It all went south from there! I lost my contour lines for the sides of the face, and I somehow kept messing up the details. I made the decision to scrap this effort and do it differently. If I’m going to do the entire cat, I need to go larger. If I want to stay with 8 x 10, I need to go with just the head and upper body — a “portrait” in the true sense of the word. The eyes need to be the star of the show. 🤩 I also want to change to colored pencils. If I went for a larger size, I would probably stay with pastels. I’m going to regroup this evening and will post a new beginning for the project. I’ve already learned several things from this experience. Brenda ---
**Author:** ![TLP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/45deac/32.png) [@TLP](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/TLP)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 9:22pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/8 "2023-04-08T21:22:19Z")
Brenda, I am looking forward to seeing your work in progress! I agree the standing/sitting up picture is best. On the portrait I did I used soft pastels, and pastel pencils for the detailed hairs. I also used some of my polychrome pencils and they work wonderful together. They cut through the soft pastels but did not disrupt them. Another thought! Teri ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2023, 11:23pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/9 "2023-04-08T23:23:29Z")
Thanks, Teri. I appreciate your input so much! I’m ready to begin again. And I love the portrait you did. The whiskers are magnificent! Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 3:48am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/10 "2023-04-09T03:48:20Z")
OK! And I’m off! I have changed to a 10 x 14 format on Mi-Teintes pastel paper. I plan to use pan pastel, Nu-pastel, and pastel pencils. I’m finished for tonight. I just had to get the sketch on paper before I go to bed. Thank you all for your amazing support and wonderful input! ![IMG_0992](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/e/efdfa3978c752ff550d9c24689c68ebfef4a45e1.jpeg) Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Rhondasmythe](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/rhondasmythe/32/3009_2.png) [@Rhondasmythe](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Rhondasmythe)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 4:09pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/12 "2023-04-09T16:09:54Z")
Wow! I’m impressEd! Thanks for sharing your process. That’s so helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 5:25pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/13 "2023-04-09T17:25:08Z")
Thanks Rhonda! I’m happy to share my processes. It helps me work out problems, and I’m delighted it may have been helpful for you! I love doing grids and getting my paper ready. It’s such a relaxing process. Brenda ---
**Author:** ![junenez](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/junenez/32/4004_2.png) [@junenez](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/junenez)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2023, 8:36pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/14 "2023-04-09T20:36:38Z")
That is looking great ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 6:09am UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/15 "2023-04-12T06:09:20Z")
![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/7/79bb9f687cc32484c87b1b393412bed3df00de07.jpeg) Face progress. I’m heading out of town until probably Sunday. I’m hoping when I get back I can look with fresh eyes and continue. I’m fairly happy with it at this point. I’ll miss you guys at live lesson and Gettin’ Sketchy tomorrow night! Brenda ---
**Author:** ![TLP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/45deac/32.png) [@TLP](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/TLP)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2023, 11:39pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/16 "2023-04-12T23:39:16Z")
Amazing Brenda! Your off to a great start! Never doubted you could do this commission. Teri ---
**Author:** ![wren07](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@wren07](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/wren07)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2023, 9:19pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/17 "2023-04-14T21:19:42Z")
Looks so good so far!! Cant wait to see it!!! ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2023, 7:33pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/18 "2023-04-28T19:33:45Z")
I had set Sally aside while working on Roscoe from the live lesson. I’m so very happy to return to her. I’ve started work on the upper body ![IMG_1141](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/a/a419f59313017dabdaf82c8c02e2cfe293c03e8d.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![junenez](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/junenez/32/4004_2.png) [@junenez](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/junenez)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2023, 2:52pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/19 "2023-04-30T14:52:15Z")
That is looking fabulous! Can’t wait to see it all done ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/20 "2023-04-30T15:40:26Z")
Aw, thanks, June! I can’t wait to finish and frame her. 😻 Brenda ---
**Author:** ![Brenda](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.thevirtualinstructor.com/brenda/32/3459_2.png) [@Brenda](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/u/Brenda)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2023, 9:59pm UTC](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935/21 "2023-05-01T21:59:48Z")
She’s almost finished!!! I need to touch up the background and add a few details maybe. And there might be some shading yet to do. I’m going to let her sit for a day or two. ![IMG_1163](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/thevirtualinstructor/original/2X/4/4084098e13f809f41f287ffcbe1e090c86f55005.jpeg) [Next page](https://community.thevirtualinstructor.com/t/finished-and-framed-wip-sally-first-pet-portrait-commission-very-nervous/2935.md?page=2)