Behind the Brush: My Custom Painting Process
Ever wondered how a photo turns into a painting? Here is a peek into my studio process, from digital sketches to the final varnish coat on your custom portrait.
This is how I turn your photos into paintings. I use my iPad to create a precise sketch with a grid, transfer it to the canvas, and then begin the painting process. This was my first time recording a voiceover.
A little behind the scenes of how I use Procreate to create mockups before I start painting. This is especially helpful when I need to merge multiple photos into one cohesive image.
The final and most satisfying step. I protect all my paintings with a satin varnish. It not only protects the art from dust and damage but also makes the colors pop and come to life.
Sealing all my completed paintings with varnish is so satisfying. Here's a compilation of various pieces getting their final protective coat.
Packing a large painting is an arm workout. It takes a while to make sure it's safe and secure for shipping, but seeing it all wrapped up and ready to go is so satisfying.
People often ask me why I paint pet portraits. My love for animals inspired me to start, and I pour my heart into capturing the essence of every pet I paint.
The best part of my job is the feedback. Getting heartfelt messages from clients when they receive their painting is an unbeatable feeling and reminds me why I love what I do.
An artist can never have too many art supplies. Here's a little haul of the canvases, paints, and brushes I use to create your custom portraits.
My little ritual before I start any painting involves making coffee, finding a good playlist, and setting out my materials. This helps me get in the zone to paint away.
Over 40 hours of work condensed into just a few seconds. This time-lapse shows the progress of this large pet portrait of Momo, from the first brushstroke to the final detail.
About Behind the Brush: My Painting Process
I use a digital grid method to translate your photos onto canvas, ensuring your pet's proportions are spot on before I start painting. It is a technical step that ensures the final portrait looks exactly like the photo you love, giving me the confidence to dive into the fun part, which is building those fur details and highlights with acrylics.
Every painting begins on my iPad. I use Procreate to adjust lighting or merge multiple photos if you do not have that perfect group shot. Once we finalize the composition, I use a grid overlay to transfer the sketch onto my canvas or wood slice by hand. This ensures the layout is perfect before I pick up a brush.
I work with professional-grade acrylics, focusing on layering to create real depth. For pet portraits, this means building up those tiny individual fur strokes and adjusting the shadows around their eyes until it feels like them. I paint everything from 4-inch rustic wood slices to large 20-by-30-inch canvases.
The final step is always a satin varnish. It keeps the colors vibrant and protects your piece from dust and UV damage for years to come. When you commission a piece, you are not just getting a painting. You are getting a piece of art that I have poured my heart into, from the very first sketch to the final coat of varnish.
Anushka Nayak
I'm Anushka, a Mumbai-based artist obsessed with capturing your pet's quirks and your favorite family memories on canvas. I paint every piece entirely by myself, so you know it comes straight from my desk to your wall.
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