Welcome to our latest commissioned Black Labrador oil painting. Nicholas has created a beautiful portrait of a gorgeous black lab this month called Dotty. Created for a surprise 50th birthday gift. Our client, Mark, contacted us to see if we could complete a portrait of their beloved Labrador in time for the big day. Of course, we were happy to make it happen, we try not to let anyone down!
“I am thinking of having a painting of our pet Labrador as part of my wife’s 50th present… is this possible?”
– Mark
Nicholas painted the portrait in oils on linen canvas at 12 x 10 inches, a perfect size for a head and chest study. The portrait shows Dotty in an excellent three quarter pose, in a relaxed pose.
Work in Progress
Early on, Mark mentioned that his wife had chosen the collar and loved it, so it was important that it remained part of the composition.
“Happy for her collar to stay in the painting as my wife chose it and likes it.”
We worked through a few mock-ups to explore different background options. Mark imagined neutral “country” colours like greens and oatmeal colours. So Nicholas developed a soft warm background that worked well with Dotty’s coat without distracting from her.
The Completed Oil Painting of Dotty
The final photo of Dotty’s oil painting is below. We love how the background worked in the end, the colours of the photos above didn’t show it how it actually was. Nicholas has photography lighting above his easel and sometimes it throw different colours when you photograph the portraits. However the photo below is the true colour!
Framing with a Personal Touch
To complete the commission, we also arranged the framing, something Mark trusted us with entirely. He requested something warm and elegant, nothing too ornate, but with a nod to the orange accent in the collar.
“I prefer a warmer frame (more gold than cream) with possibly an orange line or tint… nothing too ornate.”
We selected a black frame with a slim orange inner slip, which ties everything together beautifully. Our framers hand painted and hand mixed the orange colour. They are so clever! The final result looks timeless and classy, and fits perfectly with the room where the painting will be displayed.
“Looks absolutely brilliant – I can’t wait to give it to her!”
You can see the frame is slightly distressed, it is just simply beautiful and stunning.
Why Labrador Retrievers Are Perfect Subject for Oil Portraits
Labradors are one of the most beloved breeds, not only in the UK but around the world. Their kind eyes, glossy coats, and gentle nature make them ideal for oil painting commissions. Whether you’re celebrating a loyal companion in their golden years or remembering one who’s passed, a hand painted Labrador portrait in oils captures far more than a photograph ever could.
Their rich coat colours, black, yellow, or chocolate, offer unique challenges and opportunities for us as artists. Black Labs, in particular, are more tricky to paint due to their dark coat colours and the shine on them. However as you can see this can be handled beautifully using oil paint. Just as it can in pencil too!
If you love Black Labradors, you might also enjoy the oil portrait of another much loved Lab Nicholas painted – Beautiful Black Labrador Painting in Oils »
A 50th Birthday Gift
This commissioned Black Labrador oil painting is more than just a 50th birthday present, it’s a lasting tribute to a much loved dog and a daily reminder of the love she brings to the family. We’re so grateful to Mark for trusting us with this portrait and helping make such a special day even more memorable.
If you’d like to commission your own Labrador painting, or a portrait of any pet, you can visit our website – www.pet-portraitartist.com
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