Hi! My name is Angie Inkster and I have been painting using soft pastels for many years.
I focus on bringing the attributes that give life to your pet into each and every portrait that I complete.
This is one of my passions. I hope you get as much enjoyment from the ones I’ve posted here.
Why Pastels?
I started drawing animals when I was 16, my sister asked me to go with her to an evening art class, this was the type of class that wasn’t a lesson as such, you just went and did your own thing. Naively I didn’t take anything to draw so another artist gave me a photo of a cat and just said “Draw that!” And that’s where it all started!
On my 21st birthday my father gave me a set of pastel pencils and it just grew from there!
Pastel paints are made from pure colour pigment mixed together with a binder to form a solid or, depending on the binder, a slightly waxy medium that rubs off on the painting surface (known as the support). Because there is no liquid binder, as in the case of watercolours and oils, it won’t fade, yellow, crack or blister, and if handled correctly, provides the most permanent of all the media. In drawing a pastel painting, I have to drag the pastel sticks or pencils over an abrasive ground, known as the support. This leaves the colour on the grain of the painting surface. When I’m blending a colour, I might have to do this with as many as 10 different shades of pastel to achieve the final colour I’m aiming for. Having the best support, and highest grade pastels is so important in achieving the best image. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive.
I have found that pastels offer me the best option to accurately capture the image of what I’m painting and the spirit. I’m apparently not the only one that thinks this.
While in the U.K. I exhibited at a summer fair, and my portrait of a Doberman was on a small easel at child height.
A lady with her dog walked by and her dog started pulling at the lead and barking at the picture, presumably in an effort to protect its owner.
This was one of the best compliments I could have received.
From Here to Eternity
Alright, that’s a bit kitsch, but I thought it was a catchy title to introduce the process of how you can go from wanting a portrait to immortalise your pet, to actually getting one. Obviously, it’s almost impossible to get an animal to sit still for 4-6 weeks while I paint them, so photographs are usually the way to go!
In order to best capture the likeness of your pet, I would generally need a good, clear photograph, in the correct lighting. The best photos to paint from are taken in natural light, about 6 feet away from your pet. Bonus points if you can get down to their eye level!
I have found the best way to get your pet to sit still is to place them on someone else’s knee and then that person holds them still. You can then take multiple photos from different angles, all at eye level.
Outside is ideal, but near a window, with the light behind you works too. Try not to use a flash as this will distort the natural colours of your pet. I supply the portraits unframed because the frame should be personalised by your choice of decor. Each portrait comes with detailed handling instructions and recommendations for glass in the frames to ensure the best protection for your portraits. By following the guidance, your portrait will be ready to hang and bring you a lifetime of happiness.
Each portrait takes between 4-6 weeks to complete once we have agreed on a start date. In busy periods you may get put on a waiting list that could extend that period out.
I paint portraits one at a time, and they take many hours of detailed work. This is not a production line, so each portrait gets my full attention.
Testimonials
I am absolutely IN LOVE with the portrait of my gorgeous black Cocker Spaniel, Luna.
Her eyes, her fluffy little head and her regal facial expression!
Angie, you have captured her PERFECTLY and I cannot thank you enough!
Hello Angela.
Well what can I say?
I was actually speechless and tearful when I opened my present from my kids with most of the help from you!
You have captured Oscar perfectly and have immortalized him forever.
I have to say, I was quite envious of Luna’s portrait you gave Kim and never thought I’d get one.
Or even dare ask!
Thank you so much for your kind talent.
Incredible how a piece of paper comes alive.
Kim has enjoyed liaising with you as she is a great giver and organizer.
Once again,
Thank you so much 💞
p.s. I thought you might like to see him in his new place
Thank you for the portrait, my wife and I thought it truly captured the aura of our Cassie (especially her eyes).
I’m sorry we didn’t meet, but it was a pleasure meeting your husband.
As apparent by the examples on your web site and my own portrait you not only have a talented technique but also the ability to infuse onto the paper the animal’s spirit.
Thank you again for making the process from start to finish extremely easy.
I will definitely be recommending your services.
Regards
Michael
Just want to thank you again for helping me surprise my husband with the beautiful pastel picture of our dog Tweed.
My husband doesn’t get excited about too many things, but your picture actually brought out a WOW!
from him.
Also, all the company I had at the time were very impressed with the detail and the perfect likeness of Tweed.
I would highly recommend you to anyone thinking of having a pastel done.
Thanks again for all your hard work, it was easy to work with you to put everything together.
Barb
When I received my commissioned portrait of Hershey, it made me quite teary, in a very good way.
The eyes are full of his quirky personality and Angie’s attention to detail is truly a gift.
Angie has captured his true spirit and it makes me smile every time I glance at it.
This is a portrait that will keep him fondly in my memory for many years to come.
I highly recommend Angie’s work to anyone considering a commissioned piece of their special friend.
Wendy
The expression of “I hate these stupid things on my feet, hurry up” was captured perfectly and that indignation was 90% of his personality after age 13, which is roughly when your reference picture was taken, so it’s perfect!
My first reaction to seeing the image just flooded my heart because I just saw Jakedog being a wee shit immediately.
Par for the course.
Would expect nothing less!!
For a brief moment in time, you’ve helped reignite the life of a wee dog in the hearts of those who knew him.
You deserve all the accolades for that endeavour, and I’m blessed for the gift.
My mum is truly incredible.
Her attention to detail, and the ability to capture my cat’s personality through a portrait, will always amaze me.
I look at this drawing, and I instantly am hit with the “aww” feeling, like “that’s my baby”, and I find myself envious that she has that talent.
I asked a few weeks ago if she would be willing to do this, she drew a portrait of Fred when he was much younger, and I don’t know how, but she’s managed to show that age progression in the art.
He looks like how he is now (old and tired of my shit, lol), and in his younger portrait, he looked like how he was (young, and ready for attack).
I love this so much, I know I will treasure it for years to come.
Thank you mum
Angie is a wonderful talented artist, we all were thrilled with her work, she captured our beautiful girls sweet face and her grace.
Thank you again Ang for such a wonderful piece we will all treasure…
A heartfelt thank you to Angie for this amazing piece of art in memory of our dearest Onyx aka Uncle.
He had been with me through so much. He was my special guy.
Thank you Angie for you love and care throughout the process.
Helping me choose just the right frame and giving clear handling instructions.
I can’t wait to hang it up.
Really taking my time as it’s still hard to see photos of him, but I’m getting there.
How to Order
For reasons of quality, I paint all the portraits the same size.
These portraits are all fine pastel drawings on premium shaded or white paper.
I only do head studies as a larger body shot typically requires more space and time to work, and detracts from the spirit and individuality of your pet.
The paintings will be provided unframed, so you can choose the frames to match your decor.
If you are happy with these terms, please go to the order form page below and fill it out online.
You can then send it to me by pressing the submit button and printing a copy to send with your deposit and photographs.
Contact me for more information
