While we can never contest the beauty of traditional art, digital art is rapidly becoming popular. Since its advent, it has become a favorite topic of debate on which one is better. This also rings true when it comes to having our beloved furry friends' portraits. We often face the dilemma: digital pet portraits or hand-painted pet portraits? Let's weigh in and see for ourselves:
The Art of Pet Portraits
We've seen them in cave paintings: images of animals that humans hold dear for a variety of purposes. The relationship we have with animals has changed throughout time. This is proven by pet portraits in the Victorian Era, where animals were seen as family members and were kept for companionship.
There is even evidence to suggest that the ancient Greeks and Romans kept animals as pets. This is solid proof that we have been capturing the likeness of animals since time immemorial. And for what reason? Nothing but the special bond between us and our furry pals.
Since then, we have moved on from scratching cave walls to using different styles, mediums, materials, and platforms to capture the essence of our furbabies. And that is where the happy confusion begins to surface.
Hand-Painted Portraits
Traditional pet portrait art, or hand-painted pet portrait, is a painting or a drawing that captures your pet's likeness, personality, and character. As its name suggests, it is created by hand using a multitude of mediums. This includes pencils, charcoal, watercolors, and oil paints, among many others.
An artist typically uses photographs as references to help them do this. In the world of traditional painting, it is normal to commission an artist to do it from life. However, it can be a different scenario when painting a pet from life. We're not saying it is not possible. Laborious, yes, but absolutely doable.
The Perks of a Hand-Painted Pet Portraits
Hand-painted pet portraits are a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, so if you're looking for something unique, this is it. Below are a few more reasons to like hand-painted pet portraits:
All-Original
When an artist paints your pet, they are creating an all-original artwork. Each brushstroke is uniquely a labor of love and passion. It captures your pet's essence in an almost magical way, something you won't find elsewhere.
They are Genuine Works of Art
Hand-painted pet portraits are true works of art. They are the result of an artist's creativity, talent, and skill. These hold the real touch of an artist's hand, a trait that adds depth and character a machine can never replicate.
They are Tangible
When you commission an artist to do your pet's portrait by hand, you get something touchable. This isn't merely a painting but an extraordinary experience. You'll be able to feel the canvas and see the layers of paint.
Digital Pet Portraits
A digital pet portrait shares many similarities with traditional, hand-painted ones. They, too, are drawn by hand. The only differences are the tools and platforms that the artist uses.
A digital portrait art is done using a wide array of software programs, such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or even Canva. Instead of a paintbrush or pencil, a digital artist uses a stylus or mouse to craft the portrait. They use the brushes and colors the software provides.
The Good Points of Digital Pet Portraits
A modern-day take on pet portraits, a digital version offers many upsides. These are the following:
They're Quick and Easy
Digital pet portraits are faster because you won't have to wait for the paint to dry, among other issues associated with hand-painted ones. More importantly, they are sustainable as no trees were harmed in their production.
They're Affordable
The main reason for digital pet portraits' popularity is affordability. Paint, canvases, and other traditional drawing materials can be expensive. While a design software commands a specific price, it isn't as high as that of the materials for traditional painting.
They are Flexible
Digital pet portraits are easily editable. You can change or modify a picture any way you want to. You can change the colors, posing, style, or even add or remove an element.
Choosing the Best Pet Portrait
Choosing between a digital pet portrait and a hand-painted one can indeed be challenging. Diverse styles, affordability, and quick turnarounds are some of the reasons digital pet portraits dominate. However, they don't provide that sense of uniqueness that hand-painted ones deliver. In the end, it all boils down to your preferences and priorities.
