MAKING Pictures

Rather than just paint a pet portrait, TERENCE CLARKE wanted to make more of a chance encounter. He shows you how to take charge of your subject and create a true work of art

- TERENCE CLARKE

Terence's materials

• Paints

Yellow Ochre, Vermilion Hue, Phthalo Blue, Phthalo Green and Titanium White, all Daler-Rowney System 3 acrylics; Yellow Ochre, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Vermilion, Quinacridone Magenta, Phthalo Green Warm, Prussian Blue, French Ultramarine and Titanium White, all Sennelier Finest Artists oils

• Brushes

Rosemary & Co Ivory filberts, sizes 2, 3, 5 and 6

• Support

Gerstaecker primed cotton canvas, 38x56cm

• Palette knife

• Sketchbook

• Compressed charcoal

It’s hard to define what it is about a subject that makes you chose it as a starting point. This painting of a cat is an interesting example. Animals are not my usual subject matter but as soon as I saw this stray feline [right], I knew I had to paint her. I was on a walk when she stepped out on to the path. What was interesting was the purely abstract qualities of her unusual markings – there was a tremendous graphic punch to the black and white.

The very form of the cat's sleek body and almost comic-book markings on her face were very attractive elements for picture making. I made one or two very quick drawings then, obviously, took a couple of photos to capture the constantly moving elegance of her form. There was a personality and quirkiness about her that I liked. It was also a challenge to paint something that was unfamiliar.

Doing something different is always a good way of refreshing your approach and developing your openness to new ideas and subjects.