Milena Skulimowska Visual Artist

Behind the Canvas: The Making of a Cat Portrait

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Milena Skulimowska

When people see my finished cat portraits, they often wonder about the journey from blank canvas to completed piece. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain to share my creative process, showing how each portrait comes to life through careful attention to detail and a blend of technical skill with artistic intuition.

The Journey Begins with Acrylics

As an artist who works primarily with acrylic paints, I’ve found this medium perfect for capturing both the physical features and spiritual essence of each cat. Acrylics offer incredible versatility – allowing me to build layers that create depth and texture, particularly useful when painting fur and capturing those luminous feline eyes that tell so much of a cat’s story.

My Process: From Sketch to Final Piece

1. Initial Consultation and Vision

Every portrait begins with understanding the cat’s personality. Whether it’s a playful kitten or a dignified senior cat, each has unique characteristics that deserve to be celebrated.

2. Size Selection

I offer various sizes to suit different needs:

– Miniature (12.5cm x 17.5cm) – Perfect for intimate spaces

– Small (up to 20x30cm) – Ideal for most home settings

– Medium (up to 30x40cm) – Makes a striking statement piece

3. The Painting Journey

– First comes the foundational sketch

– Then building basic color layers

– Adding depth and texture

– Focusing on the eyes – the window to the cat’s soul

– Incorporating nature elements that complement the subject

– Final details and highlights

  • Acrylic painting titled 'Sunlight Sanctuary' showing a stylized ginger cat peeking through vibrant green leaves and three large golden sunflowers. The composition is vertical with turquoise accents and flowing organic lines.
    A peek into a cat’s summer afternoon. ‘Sunlight Sanctuary’ celebrates those quiet moments when nature and curiosity create perfect harmony. A glimpse into my process.
  • Close-up macro photograph of an acrylic painting in progress, showing a paintbrush adding yellow petals to a sunflower against raw canvas texture. The brush has traces of yellow paint, demonstrating the active painting process.
    Building Golden Petals, One Brushstroke at a Time.
  • Close-up of an acrylic painting in progress, showing bright yellow sunflower petals contrasting with deep green foliage. A brush is visible adding details to the flowing organic shapes on canvas texture.
    Layering Life: Building Depth in ‘Sunlight Sanctuary’
  • Close-up of an acrylic painting in progress, showing a fine brush adding detail to a cat's eye. The cat is painted in warm terracotta tones against a background of green foliage and yellow sunflower petals.
    Bringing Character to Life: The Art of Cat Eyes
  • Close-up of an acrylic painting in progress, showing a brush adding detailed strokes to bright yellow sunflower petals against a deep green background. The brush strokes show clear texture and directional movement.
    Crafting Golden Petals: The Details That Make Sunflowers Shine
  • Extreme close-up of an acrylic painting in progress, showing a brush adding textured details to a sunflower's dark brown center, surrounded by bright yellow petals. The painting captures the intricate spiral pattern characteristic of sunflower seeds.
    The Heart of the Sunflower: Creating Nature’s Complex Patterns
  • Extreme close-up of a sunflower center in an acrylic painting, showing intricate seed pattern details with rich texture and subtle color variations. A fine brush adds final touches to the complex spiral pattern against bright yellow petals.
    The Final Touch: Perfecting Nature’s Pattern
  • Macro photograph of acrylic painting texture showing vibrant yellow sunflower petals against a deep green background. The brushstrokes are clearly visible, creating rich texture and dimension in the petals.
    The Poetry of Petals: Texture in Acrylic
  • Close-up of an artist's paint-stained fingers holding a brush against a painting background showing terracotta browns and sunny yellows with green foliage.
    Final Flourishes: The Art of Completion

Nature Meets Feline Grace

What makes my portraits unique is the incorporation of natural elements. Living in Southend-on-Sea has influenced my artistic style, inspiring me to blend botanical elements with feline subjects. This creates not just a portrait, but a window into a whimsical world where cats and nature coexist harmoniously.

Technical Tips for Fellow Artists

– Work in layers, allowing each to dry completely

– Start with larger brushes for base coats

– Use smaller brushes for fine details like whiskers

– Keep your reference photo nearby

– Take breaks to view your work from different angles

The Final Touches

The last stage is perhaps the most crucial – stepping back and ensuring every element works together to capture not just the physical likeness, but the spirit of the cat. Sometimes it’s adding that final highlight in the eyes or adjusting the subtle shadows in the fur that brings the whole piece together.

Looking Ahead

Next week, I’ll be sharing more about how I incorporate natural elements into my portraits, and why this combination of cats and nature has become my signature style.

Explore my Cat Artwork Portfolio for more! Would you like to commission a portrait of your feline friend? Feel free to reach out through my Instagram (@mysouthendart) or visit my website to discuss bringing your cat’s personality to life on canvas.

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