‘With any portrait, animal or human, capturing a likeness is not just about the outward appearance – it’s character that’s the defining feature. Here, artist Darren Lewis explains how he set about painting his family pet, Cody. The result leaves no one in any doubt as to who’s the boss!’ says Jane Stroud.

“Cody is my first family pet,” explains Darren. “Although I have painted other people’s pets, I found it harder to paint my own and to capture his true character. The painting depicts the moment we first relented and allowed Cody onto our bed.

It was Boxing Day 2015 and Cody was seven months old. I was struck by Cody’s pose, displaying a look of superiority as he took advantage of us and discovered all the comfort being allowed on the bed brings. I was also drawn to the low winter light streaming through the bedroom windows at the time, emitting a glow on Cody’s youthful coat and the way it cast strong shadows in the background.

“I used photographs for reference, but departed somewhat by composing my own colour harmonies and hues to contrast the warm orange and sienna of Cody’s fur with the more muted greys in the background. I love the way Cody gives a ‘lord of the manor’ feel to the painting as if to say, ‘I belong here and I’m in charge’. The painting took approximately four months to create, as I revisited it at different times, allowing the oil paint to dry between sessions to give clarity to the newly applied paint. It now hangs proudly in our hallway and greets all the guests to our home.”

Read more about Darren in the March issue of Leisure Painter - click here to purchase your copy.

Below is Cody, oil on canvas, (40x60cm)

Click here to view more work by Darren in the PaintersOnline gallery, or visit his website www.darrenlewispaintings.co.uk