Welcome to our latest blog post about Monty & Ozzy – Oil Portrait of Two Labradors. We were thrilled when Paul reached out to commission a portrait of his two beautiful Labradors, as a gift for his wife, Caroline. From the very first phone call, it was clear how much these two dogs meant to them, and Paul wanted to ensure that every detail was just right.
As with all our portraits, this wasn’t a quick process. It was a carefully planned collaboration to create something truly bespoke and meaningful.
Creating a Custom Portrait – The Process Behind the Painting
Many people mistakenly believe that hand painted pet portraits can be completed quickly, but that’s not the case! Creating each painting takes time, from selecting the right photos and discussing the design to refining the composition and carefully painting every detail.
Many clients contact us just before Christmas or a birthday, hoping for a quick turnaround. However the truth is, a high-quality portrait takes time. Paul and Caroline understood this completely, and because Paul was so excited about the commission, he decided to tell Caroline early. This actually worked out perfectly. Both of them took part in the decision making, especially when choosing the background colour for the portrait.
Choosing the Right Background for Monty & Ozzy
We had several conversations with Paul about the background colour, especially since Labradors have such distinct coat tones that react differently to various shades. Monty, a yellow Labrador, needed a colour that wouldn’t wash him out. While Ozzy, a black Labrador, needed contrast so his details wouldn’t get lost in a dark setting. Here is a photo of the initial stage prior to laying any colour down.
Paul originally thought a colour matching their wallpaper would work, a sort of silvery light purple. However as he saw the portrait develop, he realized it might not complement the painting as well as expected. He wrote:
“Having seen this developing on the canvas, I’m not sure that colour scheme would work. I know you said that if it was too dark, Monty would be affected, and if it was too light, Ozzy would be affected. What neutral colour would you recommend? A light off-grey?”
This is exactly why we work closely with each client to ensure their portrait fits seamlessly into their home. After discussing different options, we settled on a beautifully balanced slightly deeper purple tone that complemented both dogs perfectly.
Monty & Ozzy – Oil Portrait of Two Labradors
Paul and Caroline were over the moon with the result when they received the completed painting.
“Morning Melanie,
Just to let you know, the painting has arrived this morning, and it is amazing. We are both really pleased with it.
You have really captured the essence of them, and we are thrilled.”
Hearing feedback like this is always so rewarding. It’s why we do what we do! Creating the oil portrait of Monty and Ozzy was an absolute pleasure. Nicholas loved every minute of painting them.
Why Labradors Look Stunning in Oil Portraits
Labradors are one of the most expressive and lovable breeds. Their distinct coats make them ideal subjects for oil painting. The deep, glossy black coat of Ozzy required careful layering to capture the rich highlights and subtle variations in tone. Meanwhile, Monty’s golden fur needed warmth and depth, ensuring it remained vibrant without looking too pale.
Oil paint is the perfect medium for Labrador portraits. This is because of its ability to blend tones smoothly and create depth, making the fur appear soft and lifelike. If you would like to see more of our Labrador portraits, take a look at this recent commission of two beautiful Labradors.
Commission Your Own Labrador Portrait
We hope you have enjoyed reading about Monty & Ozzy – Oil Portrait of Two Labradors. If you’ve been thinking about a custom oil portrait of your Labrador (or any beloved pet), we’d love to create something truly special for you. Get in touch with us to start your commission. Take a look at our full Dog Oil Portraits Gallery to see more of our work.
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