Having several reference photos is so helpful when creating a portrait because it allows me to capture the truest version of your pet. With my recent portrait of Bear, the family loved the pose in one photo but it showed him when he was younger. They also shared a photo with his present colouring in…
Author: Kelly Murphy
Artist
Female Cardinal
I recently finished a female cardinal, and while her colours may be softer than her male counterpart, she carries a warmth and subtle vibrancy that’s incredibly rewarding to capture. My favourite part of the process was watching the bright oranges and reds blend into buttery creams, creating a soft yet still vibrant look that really…
Emmylou and Ted (commission)
My favourite part of drawing Emmylou and Ted was their soft, wavy coats. When I’m working with long, wavy textures like theirs, subtractive techniques are essential. Instead of only building layers on the paper, I also lift pigment off to create those natural highlights and flowing strands. For this piece, I used a mix of…
Emma (commission)
I loved working on this dog portrait, and if I had to choose a favourite detail it would be her ears. The colours, the textures, and that mix of long inner fluff with shorter outer fur came together so softly you almost want to reach out and touch them. To achieve that softer look, I…
New Christmas Card Designs
Excited to share something special for the holiday season. My new Christmas cards are here, featuring three original wildlife drawings with a festive twist. Each design includes a seasonal surprise tucked into the scene, blending nature with a touch of holiday charm. Whether you’re sending warm wishes or looking for something unique to share, these…
19th Annual Oxford Creates Artisan Market
The same great annual artisan market now in a new location! Join us for the 19th Annual Oxford Creates Artisan Market at South Gate Centre, 191 Old Wellington St. S., Woodstock. Over 30 local artists will be showcasing pottery, jewellery, paintings, fibre arts, photography, and more. It’s a fantastic way to support local talent and…
Lacey (commission)
When I create a portrait, the eyes are always the heart of it. I start with a simple outline, just enough structure to build on, then slowly layer colour, keeping it light and deliberate. I’m always watching for how the light hits. There’s usually one strong highlight, but it’s the smaller, secondary reflections that give…
Joey (commission)
One of the key challenges, and most satisfying parts, of this golden doodle portrait was capturing the contrast between the looser, longer waves on the muzzle and the short, tight curls across the body. When rendering curls, I’ve found it’s far more effective to think in terms of shapes of colour, rather than trying to…
Mylo (commission)
One of the most rewarding challenges in coloured pencil work is capturing the softness and texture of long fur, especially on a white dog. For this commission, I leaned heavily into subtractive techniques, using a micro eraser and ceramic blade to lift and carve out delicate strands of hair. These tools allowed me to create…
Juror’s Choice Award
Exciting news! I’m happy to share that two of my original artworks, Chickadee and Raccoon, were featured in the Visual Elements 67: Annual Juried Exhibition at the Woodstock Art Gallery. And Chickadee received a Juror’s Choice Award. The exhibition is still open until October 11, so if you’re nearby, feel free to drop by the…
Kelly Murphy, Fine Art 