Springer Spaniel Portraits

Getting to know your Springer Spaniel

Getting to know your Springer Spaniel is one of the most important parts of the process before I come to draw your portrait. Knowing what makes them tick, where they’re happiest, and those little quirks that make them them all help me to create a portrait which truly captures their very essence. It feeds into all sorts of decisions, from choosing the right expression, to the pose, to choosing a suitable background or setting for your portrait.

When thinking about how to describe your Springer to me, think about your everyday routine. Is every morning walk an adventure, come rain, sun or snow? Does your dog give you that look when it’s walkies time that says “Let’s go!” before you’ve even found your boots. Do they find it impossible to pass a puddle or a pond without jumping in? Or chase the slightest thing that moves? Maybe they have a wonderfully connected softer side too, being never more than a step behind you, and always seeming to know just how you’re feeling.

Knowing a little about their background is really helpful for me as this helps me to build up a picture of your relationship with them. Are they a rescue dog or one you’ve had since a pup? Have they grown up with your young children, playing the role of ‘responsible older sibling’? Are they a working Spaniel, who you’ve spent many a day training and out on shoots with?

These are just some of things which are really helpful for me know about, in order for me to create a truly personalised portrait that reflects your Spaniel’s life with you and your family.

Photographing Your Springer Spaniel

There are a few key elements to bear in mind when taking or choosing photographs of your dog to send me.

Lighting

Natural daylight is best, because it shows the true colours of their coat, whether that’s liver and white, black and white, or with tan markings. It also picks up the details that make your Springer so recognisable, like the freckles on their muzzle and legs, the soft wavey highlights on their ears and the feathering on their chest.

Facial Features

Include some photographs which clearly show the eyes and facial features. The eyes are one of the key elements which helps to convey your dog’s personality, and so it’s crucial I can see these clearly in your photographs.

Perspective

If you’re taking photos of your dog, try to get down to your dog’s eye level rather that taking images from standing looking down. The latter can create an odd perspective where the head appears so much larger than the body.

Setting

You may have a particular idea in your mind about how you’d like your dog to look in the portrait – for example they may have a particular expression which you love. Now think about when your dog has that expression. Is it when they’re relaxed and cosied up? Or alert and eager to chase a ball? Taking photos in those settings will help to capture that look which you’d like in your portrait.

For more tips, take a look at my photo guide.

Choosing a Pose for Your Springer

The right pose depends on what you love most about your dog. A sitting or standing pose shows off the feathering on their chest and legs. A side-on pose highlights those long, wavy ears. A face-on portrait puts the focus on their eyes, which is where so much of a Springer’s warmth comes through. You may also have strong feelings about whether or not you’d like them to have a big lolling tongue!

Whatever feels right to you, let me know and I’ll work with you to find the right reference photos which will enable me to capture them just how you’d like.

What Size Should Your Springer Portrait Be?

Springers are medium-sized dogs with lots of detail in their coats, so a larger portrait gives me more room to show their markings, ticking and feathering. If you’re going for a full body portrait, my two largest sizes, 16 x 20 inches and 18 x 24 inches, are close to life-sized and look lovely in a living room or hallway.

If you’d like more than one dog in your portrait, perhaps your Springer alongside a Cocker Spaniel or another Springer, a larger size gives each of them room to shine. If you’d like a head / shoulders portrait, the smaller sizes tend to work best. 11” x 14” or 12” x 16” would be optimal but I can even bring out plenty of detail in my smallest 8” x 10” size.

One thing to note is that framing will generally add around 3 to 4 inches around the perimeter of your portrait, so this is a consideration when you’re working out wall space.

Choosing a Background

If you’d like my standard plain coloured background option, I’ll usually suggest a background colour that complements your Springer’s coat. Warm stone and cream tones sit beautifully with liver and white coats, while soft greys and blues bring out the contrast in a black and white Springer.

You might also choose a background that says something about your dog. A mottled green or a soft blue suits a Springer who loves being outdoors, exploring fields and hedgerows.

Alternatively, you may have a particular setting you’d love to include. Perhaps a particular outside location, or their favourite snuggle sofa. Whatever your preference, just let me know! You’ll find examples of detailed backgrounds in my dog portrait gallery.

Remembering Your Springer

Many of the Springer portraits I draw are commissioned in memory of a much-loved dog. If you’ve recently lost your Springer, I’m so sorry. They’re part of every moment of the day, from the joyful greeting the moment you wake up to the last cuddle at night, and the house can feel so very quiet without them.

A portrait can be a gentle way to keep them close and to keep those precious memories of them alive. I’ll work from your favourite photos and listen to your stories, so the finished piece reminds you of the friend who was always by your side. There’s never any rush with a memorial portrait, and we can take things at whatever pace feels right for you.

Springer Spaniel Portrait FAQs

What medium will you use to draw my Springer portrait?

Your portrait will be drawn in pastels - this medium is perfect for drawing pets as it gives a lovely soft texture, perfect for fur. I’m able to drawn with very high precision, capturing all those lovely details and colours.

Can you draw my Springer with another dog?

Yes, I often draw Springers alongside their best friends, whether that’s another Springer, a Cocker Spaniel or a different breed altogether. Portraits with more than one dog need a larger size, and you’ll find details on my prices page.

Can you include a working or field background?

Of course. A field, hedgerow or riverbank background can be a lovely way to celebrate a working Springer. Just let me know when you get in touch, and send any photos of the places they loved.

Do you draw Sprockers and Welsh Springer Spaniels?

Yes I draw dogs of all breeds. I’ve drawn many Sprockers and Welsh Springers too.