Hi all! This is my blog, where I’ll be writing weekly about my artwork. Each week will have a different topic about my artwork and will include photos and/or videos of the final products and the process. This week’s topic will be my pet portrait drawings!
Before I dive in, I’ll tell you all a bit about me and my background. I’m a born and raised Long Island, NY based artist. I studied figure drawing and image making under Jeffrey K. Fisher in Smithtown, NY and portrait painting with Brandon Soloff and Rick Piloco at Chelsea Classical Studio in Chelsea, NYC. Additionally, I received my BFA from Stony Brook University, and an MFA and MS in Art Education from Long Island University. I previously ran the Jeffrey K. Fisher Drawing Studio in Smithtown, NY from 2014 - 2021, and I’ve taught throughout Long Island at different schools, galleries and institutions. I have taught quite literally every grade level and age, from Kindergarten all the way to college professors and professionals.
Although most of my training has involved the human figure and portraits, I love drawing dogs and cats because it combines my skill sets - drawing, painting and portraiture! When I am commissioned for a pet portrait, I like to get as specific as possible in achieving the likeness of your pet. While I don’t meet all of my client’s dogs or cats, I do my best to capture the soul and essence of their beloved friend. To me, the most important objective is to not only make an artwork that looks and feels like your pet, but also one that feels alive as well!
I’ve been asked why I love to draw animals - I’ve always had a strong attachment to dogs, and animals as a whole. I’ve had dogs my whole life, and I’ve had cats as well. As an artist, I’ve found that dogs and cats are not well represented - while there have been artists here and there who have created beautiful artworks of animals, I don’t feel that there are nearly as many as there should be. While my all time favorite animal is a lion (which has good overall representation in the history of art), I’ve realized that there isn’t nearly enough exceptional works of dogs and cats. I hope to correct this issue, and make drawings of animals regularly in addition to my metaphysical and religious portfolio.
These are three example dog portrait drawing commissions; all three are 19 x 25 in. and done in pastel and cost $200. The first is a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. I start out by having you send me 4-6 photos of your dog. This gives me an idea of your dog’s personality, and from a practical perspective, it also allows me to have a variety of photos to draw from and have a more thorough understanding of your dog’s face and anatomy. As an artist, I know which photos will translate best into a drawing. If you’re dead set on a specific photo, I can work with that, although I will politely let you know which photo(s) may work better. I have never had a client who disagrees with my photo choice. Additionally, I tend to use bright colors in my drawings. If you wanted a more somber and naturalistic palette, I can draw with that as well. As an artist, I always ask that clients be as specific as possible when it comes to commissions!!
The second drawing we’ll be looking at today is a dog portrait of a Yorkshire Terrier. Based on the photos the owner sent me (and knowing the owner’s personal taste in art and culture) I was able to pick brighter and more upbeat colors for this drawing. I chose pink because it’s a feminine and vibrant color. Anyone who has owned or encountered a Yorkie knows that these are strong dogs with strong personalities, hence why I chose bright colors and allowed my mark making to breathe. Part of my drawing philosophy is that I want my portraits to feel alive - while I am drawing a specific dog, I am more importantly, depicting the soul of the animal.
The final pet portrait we will be looking at is a drawing of a Basset Hound. This dog was older, and the owner had a strong attachment to the dog. Historically, purple was associated with wisdom and royalty and as such, I knew I wanted purple to be an integral part of this piece. I was also informed by the client that this dog influenced them to get not just one, but three Basset Hounds! Therefore, I wanted to depict the humility and integrity of this pet. While Basset Hounds tend to be goofy and clumsy, I find that they have an astounding amount of patience, compassion and honesty. I loved drawing the eyes and expression of the dog’s face.
A common question I get asked is how long a dog portrait takes to draw. So as long as my life is not crazy busy, I can have a drawing done in approximately 2-3 weeks. If it would take longer I would let you know, and I also need to know if there was a certain date you need the drawing done by. The drawings themselves take about 2-5 hours, however, I have to carve that amount of time into my schedule on top of my other responsibilities (other commissions, teaching, my dog, staying active, etc.) Additionally, I sometimes make 6-7 drawings of one pet before I get a pet portrait that I feel confident in putting my name on. I remember making at least 5 drawings for this Basset Hound!!! As an artist, I will only release works that I feel are of the highest and most exceptional quality.
If you’re interested in commissioning me for a pet portrait drawing, please contact me at nickfrizalone@gmail.com. I’ll need 4-6 photos of your pet (I draw any type of pet - cats included!) My standard pet portrait drawings cost $200 and are 19 x 25 inches; if you wanted more than one pet in a drawing or something more specific, you can email me and I will give you a quote. I require %50 deposit on all commissions. I also give two revisions per portrait (for example, if you wanted the eyes a bit higher or a different color, I can do that after I send you a photo of the finished work, but I don’t make more than two small changes) I accept cash, Venmo or bank transfer.