Welcome to my latest Pencil Portrait – Meet Simba the Little Lion! This is Simba, a gorgeous little Shih Tzu mix I had the pleasure of drawing in pencil recently. His owner, Marie, first got in touch to ask about commissioning a portrait for Christmas, but with timings being tight, we planned ahead for the following year instead. Simba’s portrait was eventually completed and gifted as a very special present to Marie’s mother, Elaine. It was truly touching to hear how much the drawing meant to both of them. Here is Marie’s very first email..
“His name is Simba! Haha, Bijou Shih Tzu mix – he looks like a little lion!”
She also shared that a photographer had taken a beautiful shot of Simba, which she hoped could be used for the portrait. I suggested a 12 x 10 inch drawing, including the background to bring out his soft colouring and personality. Marie was incredibly kind and encouraging throughout the process, writing:
“Yes, I love your ideas! You are the artist so whatever you think would look best I am ok with!”
Once the pencil drawing of Simba was complete, I shared photos with Marie…..
“Oh it’s so beautiful!! I love love love it!! THANK YOU so so much!”
I wrapped Simba’s portrait carefully and sent it on its journey to California. I always let clients know that the paper I use is a soft off-white, but photos can sometimes make it appear a little grey or pink depending on the lighting. The portraits are always more natural and lifelike in person — something Marie and her family later confirmed when they saw Simba’s portrait framed and hanging proudly in their home.
Framed Portrait of Simba – Client Display Photos
A few months later, I received this message from Marie’s mother, Elaine:
“My name is Elaine and a while back my daughter, Marie, had you draw a picture of her dog. I ‘babysit’ Simba all the time and love him dearly. When she gave me your drawing of him as a gift I was so moved. I finally got the piece framed and it hangs on the wall as you enter my home in Southern California. It is such a beautiful drawing and you are VERY talented.”
It’s always such a joy to receive framed photos of my pencil portraits in their new homes. Below are two wonderful images showing Simba’s portrait proudly displayed. One up close and another in a wider view, giving a glimpse of the warm and welcoming space where it now hangs. I’m so grateful to Elaine and Marie for sharing these lovely photos with me.
If you’d like to commission a pencil portrait of your own dog, whether it’s for a birthday, a gift, or simply to celebrate your pet, you can find more details on my pencil portraits website.
Pencil Portrait – Meet Simba the Little Lion
I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog post Pencil Portrait – Meet Simba the Little Lion. You might also enjoy reading about a very different dog, this Alsatian pencil drawing, another lovely commission. Thank you again to Marie and Elaine for allowing me to draw Simba — he truly is a little lion!
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