Shih Tzu Portraits & Paintings
Shih Tzus have a wonderfully distinctive appearance, with their flowing coats, soft facial features and gentle, affectionate expressions. Their long, silky fur and subtle colour variations make them particularly rewarding to depict in pastel, where fine layers can be built up to capture texture and movement.
Although often seen as a small companion breed, Shih Tzus carry a quiet dignity and charm that translates beautifully into portraiture. Over the years I have created a number of Shih Tzu portraits, working carefully from photographs to capture both their likeness and their unique personality.
Brindle and White Shih Tzu Portrait
It was such a pleasure to work on Buttons! This was a charming brindle and white Shih Tzu, and displays the beautiful variation in colour that can be found within the breed. The mix of warm browns, creams and darker tones creates a rich texture within the coat. As with most of my paintings, I began with one of the dogs eyes, and then worked outwards from there.
Shih Tzu Portrait with Background
Portraits with Backgrounds
In this portrait of Nellie, a white and grey Shih Tzu, I was asked if I could show her resting on her favourite chair. Including elements of a familiar setting can add warmth and context to a portrait, helping to tell a more personal story.
Backgrounds can be kept very simple or developed into more detailed interior or outdoor scenes, depending on your preference. You can read more about these options on my page about backgrounds for pet portraits.
Shih Tzu Head Study
A classic head and shoulders portrait allows the focus to remain entirely on the dog’s expression. With Shih Tzus, this is often where their personality shines through most clearly.
By depicting the delicate shading around the eyes, the fine strands of fur around the muzzle and the soft highlights across the coat I was able to create a natural and lifelike portrait.
Other Dog Portraits
I have been working as a professional portrait artist for many years. You can discover more of my work by following these links:
- Pug portraits
- Yorkshire Terrier portraits
- French Bulldog portraits
- Golden Retriever portraits
- All dog portraits
I’m always moved when I read about the reaction to my work from my customers. Here are a few of their comments from reviews on Google:
We are delighted with the portrait as you have managed to capture a true likeness of them… I will highly recommend you to any friends we have who love their dogs as much as we do.
Jim & Sheena (Drongan, Ayr)
Contact Julie
• ask me a question by filling in this form
• Email your photos to find out which ones can become a portrait
• Feel free to ring me on (01243) 773123
• or commission a portrait here