The Journal

Notes from the
atelier.

On studio process, the breeds we paint, and the history of the painted pet portrait.

An atelier-style oil portrait of a Rottweiler, the black-and-tan coat catching warm directional studio light, the broad skull set forward and the eyes alert

30 May 2026

Painting the Rottweiler: notes from the atelier

How the Rottweiler's black-and-tan coat, broad skull, and watchful gaze shape every decision in the studio, from light source to chosen style.

An atelier-style oil portrait of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the silken ears catching warm directional studio light, the soft brown eyes set deep beneath the brow

29 May 2026

Painting the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: notes from the atelier

How the Cavalier's silken ears, soft brown eye, and four coat colours shape every decision in the studio, from period style to angle of light.

An atelier-style oil portrait of an English Bulldog, the heavy brow and loose jowls caught in soft directional studio light, the small dark eyes set deep beneath the brow

27 May 2026

Painting the Bulldog: notes from the atelier

How the English Bulldog's heavy brow, loose jowls, and short muzzle shape every decision in the studio, from light source to chosen style.

A warm studio still life with oil paint tubes, a fine brush resting on a wooden palette, and a framed dog portrait propped against a linen backdrop

25 May 2026

Painting the golden retriever: notes from the atelier

How the golden retriever's feathered coat, soft eye, and spaniel lineage shape every decision we make at the atelier. Notes on oil, light, and form.

An atelier-style oil portrait of a French Bulldog, the brindle coat caught in warm directional studio light, the bat ears upright and the wide-set eyes catching the highlight

22 May 2026

Painting the French Bulldog: notes from the atelier

How the French Bulldog's brindle coat, bat ears, and wide-set eyes shape every decision in the studio, from lighting angle to period style.

A regal sovereign-style portrait of a German Shepherd, used as a visual reference for an editorial on what AI pet portrait generators can and cannot produce

20 May 2026

What an AI pet portrait generator can and cannot do

AI pet portrait generators are useful, fast, and free. Here is an honest account of what they produce, where they stop, and what comes after them.

A still life of oil painting brushes, a folded cloth, and a small framed animal portrait resting against a warm studio wall

17 May 2026

Pet memorial portraits: how families honor a beloved companion

A painted portrait has long served as a form of remembrance. How families across eras have honored beloved pets, and why the tradition endures.

A still life of oil painting brushes, a wooden palette, and a framed antique dog portrait resting against a stone atelier wall

14 May 2026

Dog breeds that shaped the history of painted portraiture

From Egyptian greyhounds to the Cavalier spaniels of Van Dyck, these are the dog breeds that recur across five centuries of major painted traditions.

A still life of paint-stained brushes, a folded velvet cloth, and a framed portrait leaning against a whitewashed studio wall

11 May 2026

Choosing a pet portrait style: a brief guide

Three studio styles, one subject. A practical guide to matching your pet's character and your interior to the right portrait tradition from our Belgian atelier.

A still life of a photographer's printed pet photographs arranged beside a painter's palette and brushes on a wooden atelier worktable

8 May 2026

The best photo for a pet portrait: what to shoot and why

Learn how light, distance, and eye contact make the best photo for a pet portrait. Practical guidance from our Belgian atelier on what to shoot and why.