Gundog Portraits
A gundog portrait in pastels of a black labrador.
A mini portrait of a retriever gundog
A gundog portrait in pastels of a black labrador.
Having a dog as a companion for the past few years, I know the hugely positive impact they can have on our lives. While some gundogs are just beloved family pets, some are also highly trained, skilled working dogs.
A gundog portrait is a wonderful keepsake for yourself or a gift for a friend or family member.
Gundog Portraits- About the Breeds
I love gundogs. As the owner of one absolutely wonderful Miniature Schnauzer, who I love to bits, but is- dare I say, slightly... Useless? I am in awe of the level of skill that highly trained gundogs hold. I remember visiting the Gundog Journal stand at Crufts 2020, and there was the most beautiful black lab lay on the ground. But she wasn't just lying about, not paying any attention to her owner. You could tell she was waiting every second for her next command, her eyes never left him.
Kennel Club records in 2019 showed the Labrador top in the gundog category with 35, 000 registrations. The cocker spaniel was next with 21,000 registrations, the springer spaniel had 8683 and the golden retriever 8422. Of all 88,829 gundog puppies registered to the Kennel Club in 2019, 8638 were English springer spaniels, making them the third most popular gundog breed in the UK last year, after the labrador and cocker spaniel.
There are several types of gundog, which groups the individual breeds into categories. These include Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels and Water Dogs.
Gundog Portraits- The Composition
Gundogs hold a wide variety of looks, from the lovely curly ears of the Springer Spaniel, to the regal looks of the English Pointer. Every dog is unique and has a personality of their own. It is important to me that my dog portraits not only capture the likeness of your dog but capture the very essence of their personality too.
Whether your dog is a working gundog or a silly spaniel who loves nothing better than lounging on the sofa, it is hugely important to get a portrait that shows their true personality. With every pet portrait, the photograph you provide me with is the basis of your portrait. From this I work to create a realistic likeness.
If you are wanting a portrait of a working gundog it might be nice to have a portrait that shows some of their surroundings as well. If you have a water-loving gundog, you may want a portrait of them all wet after a splash about in the water. Any time taken to get the perfect reference photo is time well spent.
Gundog Portraits- Portraits I am Currently Working On
