In Loving Memory: Painting a 8x10 Custom Oil Portrait of Teddy

To begin Teddy's 8x10 portrait, I started with a grisaille sketch—a traditional monochromatic underpainting technique using neutral tones. Laying down a grisaille first allows me to focus purely on Teddy's anatomy, proportions, and value structure without getting distracted by color right away. By mapping out his soft eyes, expressive brow, and signature Cavalier ear curls in tonal values, I build a solid foundation that keeps his likeness precise and emotionally resonant.

Once the grisaille stage has dried, the real magic begins with the color application. Using high-quality oil paints, I build up rich, semi-transparent layers over the underpainting. The warm chestnut and soft cream tones of his coat are applied in delicate glazes and painterly brushstrokes. This layering technique gives his fur depth and luminous realism, capturing the soft texture of his coat and the warmth in his eyes.

Portrait of Teddy 8x10 Oil by PortraitsbyNC

Watch the Portrait Come to Life

Creating a memorial portrait is a deeply personal journey, and I'm honored to bring Teddy's memory to life on canvas. Click play on the video above to watch the full painting process step-by-step, and be sure to check back soon to see the finished oil painting!