Behind the Scenes – How I Create a Pastel Portrait
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Behind the Scenes – How I Create a Pastel Portrait
If you’re thinking of commissioning a bespoke pastel portrait, you’re in the right place. In this blog post I take you through my process—from first contact to the finished artwork—so you can understand how your portrait is created, what to expect, and why choosing a pastel portrait commission can offer something really special.
1. Getting Started: Your Commission & Brief
When you commission a pastel portrait from me, we begin with a chat about your vision: the subject, the pose, the background, the mood. Whether it’s a single pet portrait, your full pack, or you and your horse with your favourite view in the background, we set out your requirements clearly. This stage establishes the portrait commission process, including size, timeframe and price.
I ask you for good reference photographs (sharp, well-lit images) and we discuss if you’d like any particular background or theme. For example: do you prefer a clean studio-look or a natural woodland background? Do you want one subject or more? The clearer the brief, the smoother the process.
2. Reference & Preparation
With your brief and reference photos in place, I prepare my materials: quality pastel papers or boards, soft pastel sticks and pastel pencils. I use Clairfontaine Pastelmat paper for it's toothed surface, this allows me to add plenty of layers and removes the need for aa fixative spray.
Next I create a sketch on the paper: I lightly outline the figure or animal, check proportions, mark positions of eyes, nose, mouth or expression, and ensure everything is in the right place.
3. Building the Layers: From Sketch to Colour
Once the groundwork is laid, I begin layering with the pastels. The step-by-step process for pastel portraits typically involves:
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Blocking in dark and mid-tones.
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Gradually introducing colour: warm flesh tones, fur tones, background colour
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Refining and tightening using pastel pencils for detail (eyes, texture, fur, expression).
My style for commissioned portraits emphasises capturing personality and mood as much as likeness. So while I’m working, I draw from the reference photo and from the sense of character you want to convey. Whether it’s the focus of a working dog, the alertness of a fox in long grass or the cheekiness of a new puppy, layering allows me to build texture and depth in the pastel medium.
4. Fine-Tuning & Texture
After the main colour and shape work is in place, I move into the fine tuning stage. This involves:
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Refining the small details—eyes, nose, mouth, fur or hair texture, light reflections.
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Adjusting the background or negative space so it supports the subject rather than distracting from it.
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Ensuring the lighting, expression and character all feel right.
Many artists describe this “messy middle” stage where things look uncertain before they come together. I recognise this and make sure to step back, review the piece, and check that the essence of the subject is emerging in the way you wanted. It’s not just about technical accuracy—it’s about capturing the living presence of the sitter or animal.
5. Finishing Touches & Delivery
Once I’m satisfied that the portrait is complete, I complete the finishing touches: adding the final highlights and whiskers, ensuring the pastel is set properly, and making sure the surface is clean of stray pastel dust or smudges.
Then your original pastel portrait is carefully packaged and delivered. I pack it securely, ready to ship or hand over.
I also provide you with care instructions: how to display your pastel portrait, avoid direct sunlight, keep it away from moisture, and perhaps re-frame after years if necessary to maintain the artwork’s integrity.
6. Why Choose a Pastel Portrait Commission?
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Unique medium: Soft pastels deliver vibrant colour, a rich texture and immediacy of mark that many people find more alive than other media.
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Personalised artwork: A commissioned portrait, in the pose and setting you choose—with the style of an artist you’ve selected.
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Gift-worthy: A bespoke pastel portrait makes a meaningful and original gift—whether for a pet lover, equestrian, or nature enthusiast.
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Heirloom quality: Done properly, a pastel portrait becomes an artwork to cherish. The right materials, framing, and care give longevity.
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Emotional connection: Because the process is collaborative (you supply the brief, I interpret the vision), the result often has more meaning than a generic print.
7. What to Consider Before Commissioning
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Reference quality: Clear, well-lit photographs help me capture likeness and character. For animals, a pose that shows their eyes, expression and personality is ideal.
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Background / setting: Do you prefer something simple (a soft background) or more contextual (woodland scene, dog handler in action, countryside fields)? Clarifying early on helps set expectations.
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Budget & size: Larger artworks or complex compositions (multiple subjects, detailed backgrounds) take more time and cost more. Early agreement on price and time frame helps both parties.
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Lead time: Because pastel portraits are carefully layered and finished, they require time. If you are commissioning for a specific date (birthday, anniversary, event), it’s wise to allow extra time.
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Communication: Stay in touch with your artist. I’ll send progress or check-in photos and ask for your feedback. This ensures the final piece aligns with your vision.
8. Final Thoughts
Commissioning a pastel portrait is more than just buying art—it’s investing in a personal story, a moment captured, a character revealed. Whether you’re looking for a working dog portrait, a wildlife piece inspired by the countryside (which I specialise in), or a classic pastel portrait of a loved one, I would love to help bring your vision to life.
If you're ready to explore your commission, drop me an email at hulyerartwork@gmail.com or visit www.hulyerartwork.co.uk
Let’s talk about how I can craft a beautiful pastel portrait that honours your subject, celebrates their story and becomes a prized piece in your home.
Thank you for reading “Behind the Scenes – How I Create a Pastel Portrait”. I hope you feel more informed and confident about the process—and inspired by the possibilities. I look forward to creating something truly special with you.
Jodie Hulyer | Hulyer Artwork