I really enjoy drawing people’s dogs. The whole process: From the initial contact of someone asking me, to the photos they send. From my emails showing the development stages of my drawing, to the wrapping and posting and the anticipation of the client receiving it.

I put a lot of work in, and I care about what I do. I use acid free pastel paper, tape and mount-board and artist quality materials. I use about 20 colours in soft pastels and pastel pencils. It can take between 10 and 20 hours to create a portrait. During which time I drink tea and sing to the radio in my studio and delight in having the opportunity to create something special for someone.

This is the much loved and much missed Bailey, one of my latest pastel drawings. It was a real pleasure to work with the client to create something thoughtful and memorable from her photos. He’s now hanging in his owners home for them to see everyday.  There’s probably not much better job satisfaction than that.

Bailey – Pastel on ‘Sand Murano Paper’ – 21cm x 30cm – Bethany Moore 2018