JR portrait in progress 4 - Keeping it symmetrical
When I first started on JR’s portrait, Diane wrote: “Maura Reilly picked us for JR because she knew we always took the more ‘challenging’ dogs from rescues and rehoming situations and wanted us to experience one with a lovely temperament. What a PERFECT dog!!! I will go into more detail later in the process but suffice it to say he is INCREDIBLE in EVERY way.” ❤️ JR’s portrait was commissioned by Diane and Michael Schurman as their 35th anniversary gift to themselves. Here'
Kevin Roeckl
2 days ago1 min read
JR portrait in progress 3 - With a little help from technology
Today’s work on JR’s left eye. And what it took to get this fine detail..... 1 A scan of the artwork after I finished today’s work on the left eye. Prismacolor pencil on “Felt Grey” Canson Mi-Teintes paper 2 Yesterday I shared a post explaining how AI was used to sharpen Diane’s blurry photo so I could see crisp detail. That’s the main reference pic you see on my monitor. In a row above it are several of Diane’s other photos showing JR’s eyes. Those are real-life photos of JR
Kevin Roeckl
5 days ago1 min read
JR portrait in progress 2 - Using AI to create art
AI is a very controversial subject among artists. It evokes strong reactions. My position as a professional artist with more than 40 years experience is that AI is a tool, like any other tool, that can be used - deliberately and mindfully - in the creation of original art. 1 I'm working on a colored pencil portrait of a Doberman named “JR”. Finding the right reference photo(s) to use for a portrait is a journey. That, and designing the composition for the piece, can take as l
Kevin Roeckl
7 days ago4 min read
JR portrait in progress 1 - A very symmetrical head
Starting a portrait of a handsome Doberman named JR! This was commissioned by Diane and Michael Schurman as their anniversary gift to themselves. Diane wrote: “Maura Reilly picked us for JR because she knew we always took the more ‘challenging’ dogs from rescues and rehoming situations and wanted us to experience one with a lovely temperament. What a PERFECT dog!!! I will go into more detail later in the process but suffice it to say he is INCREDIBLE in EVERY way.” 1 Ready t
Kevin Roeckl
Jul 102 min read
Cooper portrait finished!
Cooper is a Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting breed, Here's what Brandon and Rina told me about Cooper before I started on his portrait: BRANDON “Cooper loved being outdoors and was happiest out in nature getting dirty and playing hard. He loved hikes, lakes and eventually came around to the ocean. He'd be able to go for hours and hours when he was in his element and good health. No amount of time in the water or on trail was ever enough. He enjoyed stalking and hunting everything
Kevin Roeckl
Jun 171 min read
