I like painting animals but don’t get asked very often, so I was very happy to attempt to immortalise Speedy the rabbit for my granddaughter.
My brief was to paint her enjoying the sunshine in the garden. She should also be in a reclining pose.
To help with the composition I was given a number of photographs of Speedy from different angles, from a distance and also in close up.
This wasn’t the first time I’d represented Speedy creatively: she was also the subject for a birthday cake a few years ago. This image was helpful in reminding me of her facial features.
Having studied the various images, I made a few preliminary sketches before starting the final composition. These were executed in pencil and crayon as well as a couple of paintings in acrylic.
First attempt, a coloured pencil sketch. Reclining in the grass but not quite there yet
Acrylic on paper but the pose still isn’t quite right.
Nearly there. Another quick acrylic on paper. This was the chosen pose, approved by the client.
The final stages: putting it all together. The painting has been executed in oil on canvas which was prepared with a coat of grey gesso. In due course, the painting will be treated with a coat of varnish and framed before being delivered to its new owner.
Art by Smart 
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