Award Winning Pastel Portrait
Art & Color 365 Magazine have awarded Abby the Cockapoo’s portrait with a special award.
I’m delighted to share some exciting news — my soft pastel portrait of Abby the Cockapoo has been awarded a Special Merit in the Art & Color 365 Magazine Pets Competition 2025!
This portrait has a very special place in my heart. I first drew two portraits of Abby back in 2022 as a commission for one customer: one portrait was gifted to his Mum (or Mom I should say as these portraits have all gone to America), and another to his Brother. Then, in May 2024, sweet Abby sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. I was honoured to be asked to draw her again, this time as a memorial portrait. I poured lots of love into Abby’s memorial portrait aiming to make it as special as she was.
Her joyful expression, soft curls, and gentle spirit made her a wonderful subject to capture, and I’m so pleased this piece has been recognised among so many beautiful entries.
Even more special, Abby’s portrait is also available as a full tutorial on my Patreon. So if you’d like to draw along with me and create your own tribute to this beloved cockapoo, you can join me there. The tutorial is suitable for beginner to intermediate pastel artists, and I guide you through every step.
Abby crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024.
Her portrait was a beautiful way for her family to remember her sweet and loving personality. I love that you can see a family member reflected in her eyes in her portrait as you can see in this close up.
Wins like this are a beautiful reminder of why I do what I do; to celebrate the animals we love, honour their memory, and connect through art.
Thank you so much for following my journey, and for supporting my work. You can view the award-winning portrait of Abby and access the tutorial over on Patreon (click here for link).
Felicity x
Special Merit Award Certificate for the portrait of Abby the Cockapoo, by Felicity Franks
My soft pastel portrait of Abby the Cockapoo featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Art and Color 365 Magazine, after winning a Special Merit Award in their 2025 Pets Competition.