ceramic pet portrait – Ellen Cooper Art

Ollie, Bunzle and Ruby

Three Dog Commissions

Ollie, Bunzle and Ruby are three much loved dogs. I was asked to make Ollie and Bunzle as secret Christmas presents from photographs taken on the sly. Ruby was also done from photographs.

Ollie, photograph — Ollie

Ollie, the finished sculpture

A different view of Ollie

Ollie finished sculpture — Ollie reminds me of a cuddly teddy bear!

Ollie

Model and sculpture — Model and sculpture, not sure what Ollie thinks!

Bunzle, a Griffon

Bunzle sculpture — Bunzle the sculpture

Bunzle face — I just love the face!

Bunzle face — The real thing

Bunzle Photograph

Bunzle sculpture — Sitting pretty

Bunzle back — Quite a fluffy tail

Bunzle front

Bunzle

Bunzle and sculpture — Model and sculpture

Ruby Chocolate Labrador — Ruby, Chocolate Labrador

Ruby sculpture

Ruby sculpture — Looking hopeful

Ruby — Ruby being good

Ruby sculpture

Ruby sculpture side

Ruby sculpture — The fur is a mixture of matt underglazes

Ruby Sculpture

Playful Ruby

Ruby sculpture, back view

Pet Portrait Sculptures

Pet Portrait Sculptures

I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember, their character, form and love of life. I am fascinated by the huge variety of shapes and sizes there are, but all retaining essential “dogginess!” Years of observation are the foundation of my work. I try and capture the essence of each breed with my sculptures, some of which are detailed, others more abstract. When it comes to pet portraits it is even more of a challenge; I have to try and capture the character of an individual dog which has, or has had, a very special place in someone’s life.

Lady

This one was in memory of a German Shepherd

German Shepherd Dog Portrait — Lady

German Shepherd Dog Portrait

German Shepherd Dog Portrait

German Shepherd Dog Portrait

Betty

This one was done from life as well as photographs. The photographs help as dogs don’t make the best models. They won’t hold a pose or even get into the pose you want. Betty is very much alive and kicking!

Betty, border terrier portrait — Betty

Betty, border terrier portrait

Betty, border terrier portrait

Betty, border terrier portrait — Betty, Border Terrier portrait

Stella

This is a portrait of a much loved English Pointer named Stella. The owner wanted her in her favourite pose with legs crossed. There were lots of photographs but not one in this pose!

English Pointer Portrait — Stella, drying stage.

English Pointer Portrait — The pattern is created with texture.

English Pointer Portrait — English Pointer Commission

English Pointer Portrait — Stella finished with metallic glaze

Shadow

Shadow is another in memory of a loved pet who lived to the grand old age of 21, named Shadow owing to the habit of always being on his owners heels.

Shadow Border Terrier Portrait — Shadow, Border Terrier Portrait

Shadow Border Terrier Portrait

Shadow Border Terrier Portrait — The lifted front leg is characteristic.

Shadow Border Terrier Portrait

Fleur

Fleur was a much loved Border Collie.

Fleur, Border Collie Portrait — Fleur

Fleur, Border Collie Portrait

Fleur, Border Collie Portrait — Border Collie Pet Portrait

Kerry Blue Terrier

The brief here was for a dog portrait of the breed capturing the characteristic movement. I had YouTube on loop showing Kerry Blues at Crufts while I was sculpting and experimented with different glazes. The finish of this one is grey/black gun metal effect with a touch of blue on a textured surface. There are 3 smaller versions (and lots of other breeds) here:

https://ellencooperart.com/gallery/

and in my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/EllenCooperArt

Kerry Blue Breed Portrait — Kerry Blue Terrier

Kerry Blue Breed Portrait

Kerry Blue Breed Portrait — Kerry Blue in Motion

Kerry Blue Breed Portrait

Find out more here:

https://ellencooperart.com/pet-portraits/