
I was recently commissioned to paint a surprise pet portrait for someone’s birthday. Luckily, I had access to some photos of the kitty but somehow it still took two tries to get it right. The first one above, is really cute right? But just doesn’t look like the actual cat! I think I was trying to make it extra cute and ended up with a kitten lol. Anyway, the second try hit a sweet spot – still cute and looks like the right cat. Yay!

The added hazard to this project was that the recipient also does pet portraits! Yikes. Anyway, he loved it so it’s all good.
PS yes, this kitty’s eyes really are that colour!
image (C) 2022 Hilary Farmer (based on owner photo)