![LMMA HEADER2.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_d793e02e9ae14f8dac0e0ab5533164b5~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_327,h_95,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/LMMA%20HEADER2.png)
Scratchboard Pet Portraits
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_5dd65471719e4c799ea83ea5827e6e5b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_364,h_511,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_5dd65471719e4c799ea83ea5827e6e5b~mv2.jpg)
Starting the Process
First and foremost, having the best picture possible is vital. I cannot draw what I cannot see. I know it is not always possible, especially when doing a memorial portrait, so I will have to review what is given to me and discuss any issues before agreeing to a project. Supplying multiple photos gives me a chance to help select the best option for a great portrait.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_d8cebb38028647608c1b10b3e10af675~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_245,h_327,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_d8cebb38028647608c1b10b3e10af675~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_dfe0f3c3182244a096154e5bd7912d47~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_246,h_328,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_dfe0f3c3182244a096154e5bd7912d47~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg)
Review and Selection
The examples shown here are of a memorial of “Cairo”.
Four photos were provided, and I was asked to use my artistic eye to decide on the best one to use.
The first two were really just too far away and zooming in didn’t maintain clarity.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_2fa16578d9044e1bb4a8f3f09c2c20d9~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_245,h_327,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_2fa16578d9044e1bb4a8f3f09c2c20d9~mv2_d_1536_2048_s_2.jpeg)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_9cf19174424a4806a455678d2899442f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_246,h_329,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_9cf19174424a4806a455678d2899442f~mv2.jpg)
I feel a memorial, although painful in its own right, should ultimately bring some joy.
So I chose to use the third photo, and since it was to be a 5” x 7” board, knew it would turn out the best as a head shot.
The fourth one, profile, although much closer, just looked so sad to me, and the owner agreed.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_15a9e576169c4e52b75a5ff348451a43~mv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_490,h_368,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_15a9e576169c4e52b75a5ff348451a43~mv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg)
Creation Begins
After cropping the photo and getting approval, you can see the side by side comparison during the process.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_ace017c5510b4ac9ba1714ee14d072ca~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_96,y_162,w_490,h_677,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_ace017c5510b4ac9ba1714ee14d072ca~mv2.jpg)
The Final Portrait
"Cairo" is completed.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4e3d37_5dd65471719e4c799ea83ea5827e6e5b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_490,h_687,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/4e3d37_5dd65471719e4c799ea83ea5827e6e5b~mv2.jpg)