Whimsical Animal Portraits
Gentle, hand-painted animals in fairy tale settings. Bringing a touch of cottagecore magic to your home.
Painting cute ducks for the first time. This video shows my process of creating two adorable ducklings with flower hats using gouache on a watercolor canvas panel.
A process video of my Ghibli inspired swan lake painting. I used gouache to create this dreamy scene with a graceful swan surrounded by lush, flowering arches.
Watch me paint a charming scene of ducks swimming in a pond. This gouache painting captures a peaceful, cottagecore moment with a mother duck and her ducklings.
Do you prefer mountains or the sea? This video shows me painting a beautiful seascape with dolphins leaping at sunset, created with gouache in my sketchbook.
Calling all Potterheads. Here I am in my studio, painting a Patronus deer in a magical blue forest, inspired by my love for Harry Potter.
Me holding my finished swan in a flower garden painting. I'm so proud of how all the tiny, colorful flowers came together to create this lush scene.
My swan painting on a small easel in my studio, with the sunlight hitting it just right. It looks so peaceful among my other creations.
A close up of the swan painting, showing the texture of the canvas and the detailed brushwork on the flowers and the swan's feathers.
Holding the swan painting in my studio, surrounded by my art supplies. This piece brings so much color and joy to my space.
The swan painting next to some of the acrylic paint pots I used. It shows just how many colors went into creating this vibrant garden scene.
About Whimsical Animal Portraits
When I paint these animals, I focus on the small details, like the texture of a duckling’s feathers or how light hits a swan’s wing. I work primarily with opaque gouache for that soft, matte finish on premium paper, or with heavy-body acrylics if you prefer something with more 3D depth and gloss. If you have a specific animal friend or a pet you want captured in a storybook setting, just send me a photo and we can chat about the color palette that fits your room best.
My art is all about slowing down. I draw heavily from the quiet, magical atmosphere of Ghibli films and cottagecore aesthetics to create scenes that feel like a soft daydream.
My Process and Mediums
For these portraits, I usually work in two ways:
- Gouache on Paper: This is my go-to for smaller, delicate work. I use professional 300 GSM 100% cotton paper which handles paint beautifully without buckling. These are perfect for framing or adding to a journal.
- Acrylic on Panel: For a more vibrant, sturdy piece, I use rigid panels or boards. These are sealed with a protective varnish to keep the colors rich and protected from dust and UV rays for years to come.
Customizing Your Portrait
Since everything I do is custom, I love collaborating on the details. Whether it is a duck with a flower crown or a fantasy creature in a hidden forest, I focus on creating a balance of colors that makes the piece feel alive.
When you order, I don't just send the painting. I include a digital time-lapse video of the process so you can see how your piece came together from the first sketch. If you are gifting this, I also pay close attention to packaging—everything ships in a rigid mailer with backing boards or corner protection to ensure it reaches you safely, along with some decorative stickers and notes to make the unboxing feel special.
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