Patricia Otero

Diesel & Whistler. ☀️ Whistler was the soft one — always under your feet, always ready for a cuddle. Diesel was more reserved, but just as loving. He lived for water and chasing a ball. Two completely different personalities, but inseparable. Best friends to the very end. Commissioned by a lovely client in Ireland 🇮🇪 55x70cm, soft pastels on Pastelmat board. Check the link in my bio if you want to get your free materials guide ❤️ #petportrait #labrador #blacklab #yellowlab #labradorretriever #labradorsofinstagram #dogportrait #pastelportrait #pastelpainting #realisticart #pastelartist #artwithlove #softpastels #realismart #dogsofinstagram #dogart #animalportrait #petlove #dogdrawing

This is the progress of Ellie & Boo’s portrait, which I finished a few months ago but never had the chance to share. ❤️ Their lovely family asked me to place them in their backyard—clearly, they live in paradise. ❤️ 🏫 Want to learn with me and download a free materials guide? Find the link in my bio 🤗 #GermanShepherd #GermanShepherdArt #PastelPortrait #DogPortrait #PetPortraitArtist #RealisticArt #PastelDrawing #PetPortrait #DogArt #PastelPencils #AnimalPortrait #SoftPastels #RealismArt #DrawingDogs #PastelArtwork #DogLovers #PetLovers #GermanShepherdLovers

Throwback to this very special commission I completed for a client in the USA. 35x50cm, pastels on Pastelmat. Rosie wasn’t just a pet—she was family. Born on Thanksgiving Day in 2013, she became her owner’s shadow through years of law school and life’s challenges. She was sweet, sassy, headstrong, and endlessly comforting. One of those souls who truly didn’t know she was a dog. Her human wrote to me with so much love and detail, and I felt incredibly honored to create this portrait. Here are their words: “Our beloved Rosie was born on November 28, 2013 (Thanksgiving day) and she joined our family 6 weeks later. Rosie passed away on June 6, 2021 as I held her paw and expressed my unconditional love for her. I was and I’m still absolutely devastated over the loss of my precious girl. Since day one of joining my family she was my shadow especially during my four years of law school which was consumed of thousands of hours studying. Rosie had the personality that everyone was drawn to—she was a very loving and compassionate boxer (was always there to comfort us when needed) but she was also a very headstrong and sassy, demanding girl (as I think most boxers are) who really didn’t know she was a dog. She had a heart of gold and loved everyone and truly thought she was one of us humans.” Thank you for trusting me with this memory. #petportrait #boxerdog #pastelportrait #petportraitartist #pastelart #boxerlove #arttribute #pastelmat #throwbackart #dogportrait #doglove #boxersofig #artwithlove #realismart #pastelart #petportraits

We were like peas and carrots, and when we were both out on the trails together, we were able to be free of both of our anxieties as we galloped through the fields.” These were the words shared with me by Tom’s human when I was commissioned to paint his portrait in 2023. He had sadly passed away that January, and this piece was created to honor the deep bond they shared — one built on calm, freedom, and companionship. Commissioned by a lovely collector in the USA 🇺🇸 ✨ Want my free materials guide? Link in bio ☺️ #horseportrait #equineart #pastelportrait #petportrait #horseart #realisticart #pastelartist #artwithlove #animalportrait #softpastels #petmemorial #documentyourprocess #realism #horsepainting

Whistler was gentle, affectionate, and never far from your feet. 🥰 Diesel, more reserved, had a playful side and a deep love for water. 🥎 They were different in energy, but deeply bonded — best friends in every sense. Commissioned by a lovely client in Ireland 🇮🇪 55x70cm, soft pastels on Pastelmat board. 🎓 Want to learn with me and access my free materials guide? Head to the link in my bio! #petportrait #labrador #blacklab #yellowlab #labradorretriever #labradorsoftiktok #dogportrait #pastelportrait #pastelpainting #realisticart #pastelartist #softpastels #artwithlove #realismart #dogart #dogsoftiktok #petlove #animalportrait

Rocky & Rambo – two beautiful Golden Retrievers I had the honour of painting back in 2022 for a client in the USA. Sadly, Rambo had passed away earlier that same year, so this piece held extra meaning. It’s one of those portraits that really stayed with me, even years later. This soft sky blue background is one of my favourites for light-furred dogs — it enhances my own palette and complements their coat so well. For the Academy, I’m building a full collection of background combinations like this, and a few are already available to learn from. 35x50 cm – soft pastels on Pastelmat. #petportrait #goldenretrievers #goldenretrieverart #dogportrait #pastelart #realismart #petartist #pasteldrawing #softpastels #animalportrait #doglovers #dogart #customportrait #petmemorial #artcommission #artistsoninstagram #realisticart #dogillustration #dogsofinstagram #dogdrawing #pastelportrait #doglove #goldensofinstagram #artwithlove #portraitartist

“The depth of love you can have for an animal can be difficult to understand unless you’ve felt it.” That’s how his human began describing him. And once you read her words, you understand why. Mr. Elroy was unlike your ordinary canine. He was eccentric and had a brilliant, larger-than-life personality. To Elroy, being a dog was unfamiliar. It’s hard to explain exactly why — there was simply this overall sense that he wasn’t comfortable being a dog. He wanted to be a human. He marched to the beat of his own drum. And for that reason alone, we worshipped that little boy. On one hand, he was full of sass and mischief. On the other, he was a complete mama’s boy who loved being pampered and babied. Elroy brought so much joy and laughter to our lives with his unique personality — just by being his adorable self.” Letter written by Mr. Elroy’s human ❤️ This pastel portrait was a commission from 2023 for a client in the US, created in memory of a dog who never quite felt like a dog at all. Portraits like this are always emotional to paint — they’re not just about how they looked, but who they were. ✨ Curious about what materials I use? You can find them all in the link in my profile. #petportrait #dogportrait #art #arte #jackrussell

After all the layers, the soft blending, and so many little decisions along the way… this is the final portrait. This German Shepherd was the subject of our Rome workshop, and I recorded every step before flying out—this time, I’m just sharing a quiet moment with the finished piece. ⭐️Full downloadable guide for my materials on my website #PastelPortrait #DogPortraitArtist #RealisticArt #GermanShepherd #GermanShepherdArt #SoftPastels #PetPortraits #RealisticDrawing #PastelArtist #ArtWorkshop #DrawingDogs #AnimalPortrait #TraditionalArt #art #arte

Something about this moment still makes me pause. Two very different-looking dogs—one fluffy, one smooth—but both bursting with energy and joy. Brown the Border Collie and Yosi the Parson Russell Terrier. If you’re curious about the materials I use, you can download my free guide from the link in my bio. #petportrait #dogportrait #bordercollie #parsonrussell #pastelart #realism #art #arte #pastelartist

Luna & Apollo the Rottweilers. Commission for a collector in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷. 50x75cm Pastels on Pastelmat board 🏫 Want to learn with me and download a free materials guide? Find the link in my bio 🤗 #art #paintingasmr #arte #asmr #pets #pastelart #pastelartist #coloredpencil #coloredpencils #oilpainting #acrylicpainting #petportraitartist #petportraits #pastelportrait #pastelpainting #pastelmat #pencilsketch #dogsofinstagram #artoftheday #pencilportrait #rottweiler #rottweilerworld #rottie #rottiesoftiktok

I painted my client’s real-life paradise. ❤️ #dogs #art #germanshepheard Want to know the materials I used? Check the links in my bio ❤️

Piston wasn’t just a passenger — he was the heart of every ride. Born in South Africa, he joined his family in the USA as a tiny, blue-eyed buddy and never left their side. Dirt bikes, boats, road trips — always ready, always riding shotgun. Painted with pastels on Pastelmat, 30x40cm. ✨ Want to know what materials I use? Click the link in my profile! #petportrait #dogportrait #pastelart #pastelpainting #softpastels #petlove #artwithlove #dogsoftiktok #dappledog

This German Shepherd was the star of our Rome workshop—and painting all those blended fur tones was such a rewarding challenge. Before heading to Italy, I recorded the full process from start to finish. Here’s a quick 40-second look! 🐾

Sasha & Cyrus. Two greyhounds, so different — and so perfectly matched. Cyrus, named after the Persian king, was a sable greyhound with a regal presence. Dignified, elegant — he carried himself like royalty. Sasha, the fawn-colored one, was sweet, gentle, and endlessly pettable. A little dreamy, a little silly — their beloved “airhead” in the best way. This oil painting was about contrast, character, and capturing the softness of their bond. One majestic, one tender. Both unforgettable. 100x70cm Oils on Linen. #oilpainting #greyhoundsofinstagram #petportrait #dogportrait #realisticart #dogsofinstagram #petlove #greyhound #animalportrait #artwithlove #realismart #petpainting #artacademy #sighthound #oilpaintingartist #realartacademy #greyhounds

I don’t often get the chance to paint soft pink backgrounds, but for this portrait, my client chose one that felt delicate, warm, and absolutely perfect for Kiara. 🐱 It brought out her features beautifully and made the whole piece feel extra tender. 😍 I loved every moment of working on it. 🌟 #art #asmr 🎓 Want to learn with me and access my free materials guide? Head to the link in my bio!

I was told about Luna — how she gently herds the family to the couch, how she picks someone to fall asleep on each night, and how she always finds a way to stay in contact with everyone she loves. She doesn’t bark to ask for what she wants. She simply gestures — for walks, snacks, balcony time, or just a little more fresh air. A quiet soul, full of sweetness, patience, and Labrador joy. Painted in soft pastels to honor that calm, loving presence. ✨ Want my free materials guide? Link in my bio ❤️ #petportrait #blacklabrador #labradorlove #dogportrait #pastelart #pastelportrait #softpastels #pastelpainting #realisticart #dogsofinstagram #petlove #artwithlove #pastelartist #artmaterials #dogart #learnpastels #realismart #artacademy

Hank the Golden Retriever. ❤️ 14x21 cm / 5.5” x 8.1”. Commission for a collector in the USA 🇺🇸. I finished this piece last year and I loved so much every step of the process 🥰 Hank passed away in 2021 and is still so dearly missed 🥺 From his family’s words: He was quirky, gentle, and full of love. He’d hug you when nervous, always had to be touching someone, and carried his toys so delicately in his mouth. They called him Spunky—he had that kind of joyful, goofy energy that made everyone smile. 💛 #art #asmr

There are dogs that carry a quiet kind of nobility — and Roo was one of them. ❤️ So elegant, so composed. Painting her felt like capturing a portrait of a queen. I painted Roo in 2023, using my soft pastel technique on Pastelmat — a portrait that was all about subtle beauty and presence. ✨ Want my free materials guide? You’ll find it in the link in my profile 🤗

Not all shields are made of metal. Some have four legs and a wet nose. Shorty wasn’t just a dog — he was Daniela’s shield. A love that protected and comforted, captured forever in pastels. ✨ Curious about the materials I use? Find my free guide on the link in my profile ✨ #petportrait #art #arte #doberman

There’s something about their silhouette — the upright ears, strong muzzle, that bold presence. One of my favorite profiles to paint. Pastels on Pastelmat, commissioned by a client in the USA. 🎨 Want to know what materials I use? Link in profile! #petportrait #germanshepherd #pastelart #dogportrait #pastelpainting #softpastels #realisticart #dogsoftiktok #artistsoftiktok #artmaterials #petlove