Tag: custom pet portraits

What's on BZTAT's Easel? Oscar the Borzoi!

Oscar the Borzoi
Artwork by BZTAT

I completed this pet portrait of a borzoi breed dog named Oscar a few weeks ago, and wanted to share it with you.

Oscar was a magnificent animal who, sadly, went to the Rainbow Bridge 2 years ago. His owner, whom I met on Twitter, asked me to paint his portrait to help keep his memory alive.

I have never seen a borzoi in real life. What an amazing breed! Here are some photos that Oscar’s owner sent for me to paint from.

I began as I always do, by painting the background black and blocking in colors for the basic shapes. I use a process of building up color by painting many layers of varied colors on top of each other, always leaving some trace of the underneath layers.

At this point, I started having some difficulties dealing with the background. The angle and strong horizontal direction of the face posed some challenges for me.

I played with some different ideas for the background, but nothing really seemed to work right for me.

Finally, I decided to add a window in the back to give some opposing lines to the horizontal direction of the face.

The completed painting was sent to Oscar’s owner in the Kansas City area. her tweet about receiving he Oscar pet portrait told me that she was very happy with the painting!

Painting an animal who has passed away is a deeply moving process. All pet portraits are endearing to me, but when the animal has passed, I engage in the process with special reverence. I know that the painting has personal meaning for my patron, and I want to ensure that it meets a unique need for them.

I thank my friend for allowing me to be a part of this dear memory with her.

Interested in a custom pet portrait of your animal? Details can be found here.

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

Changes…Bizness Schtuff

BZTAT Studios
Artwork by BZTAT

BZTAT Studios has been very active lately! I have been working on several pet portraits and other commissions, and I also have started on the big “Downtown Cats” mural.

Even so, the cost of keeping the studio open are not being fully covered by the income from sales. I am compelled, therefore to raise my prices.

New prices for paintings can be found by clicking on the artwork in my galleries. Prices for custom pet portraits can be found here.

Although there has been an increase, I still am trying to keep my portraits affordable. I on occasion offer special discounts to social media followers.

Artwork pricing is a very strange thing. Each artist and their style are unique, so there is no clear way to standardize prices. My research tells me that artwork value is driven by the cost of materials and time put into the artwork; reputation and skill level of the artist; and general market factors in the economy.

At this juncture, I am primarily self-promoting my work and avoiding the gallery-driven market, so I can set my own prices. That may change as I become more established. I guess I am trying to be honest and open about the fact that I anticipate further increases as my work becomes more popular.

If you are interested in purchasing an artwork or commissioning a pet portrait, please contact me through the contact tab above, and we can discuss the pricing. I look forward to hearing from you!

Life is and Adventure!

BZTAT

Murphy the Cat–A Sad Goodbye

Murphy the Cat
Artwork by BZTAT

I met Murphy the Cat and her human parent, D. Jill Pugh online via Twitter. Although we have never actually met (we are on opposite sides of the country), I feel that we have developed a strong bond through our online relationship.

Jill commissioned Murphy’s portrait knowing that her beloved pet was growing older and frail. She wanted a loving tribute to keep her memory alive for always.

Sadly, Murphy passed on to the Rainbow Bridge yesterday (January 8, 2010). She was 18 years old.

I don’t really know how to explain how I feel about this turn of events, but I will try.

First, I want to share my deepest sympathy with Jill and the rest of Murphy’s family. I know that losing such a beloved friend is a very profound loss. Jill shared with me that she felt a similar bond to Murphy as I felt with the original Beezie-tat, and I know how sad she must feel right now.

Second, I want to share my own feelings of loss.

When I paint an animal’s portrait, I absorb myself not only in the artistic process, but also in the essance of my subject’s being. The animal takes a special place in my heart, and it’s presence drives me through the process of creating the portrait.

I also try to “feel” the importance of the animal’s relationship with his or her human family. I believe that this genuine connection with the subject is what makes my paintings come alive.

I have no choice, really. It is just what happens. I cannot resist the force of connection that I have with animals and the people who love them.

When one of my subjects passes on, it is a very real loss for me. I am writing this post with tears in my eyes.

I feel so blessed and honored to have had the opportunity to paint Murphy, especially since the portrait has taken on new meaning now.

Thank you Jill and Murphy for coming into my life. As sad as this day is, I am so glad I had the opportunity to share the time that we did with each other.

Rest in Peace, dear Murphy. You have left your paw prints on my soul.

Life is and Adventure!

BZTAT