Photograph of a tabby cat looking over its shoulder in a sunny window, the reference for the graphite drawing. — Captain, 2025. Graphite pencil on bristol board, 21 × 30 cm. Drag the divider to compare the reference photo with the finished portrait.

Realistic graphite drawing of a tabby cat looking over its shoulder, with detailed striped fur, whiskers and rim lighting. — Captain, 2025. Graphite pencil on bristol board, 21 × 30 cm. Drag the divider to compare the reference photo with the finished portrait.

Pet portraits

Captain

Name: Nomyayi Portraits
Address: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001, ZA
Telephone: +27 00 000 0000
Price range: R 350 - R 6 500

A graphite portrait of a tabby cat named Captain, with every whisker and stripe drawn individually.

Medium: Graphite pencil
Surface: Bristol board
Size: 21 × 30 cm
Year: 2025
Time: About 20 hours over two weeks
Made: From a photograph
Subject: Pet portraits

Captain was drawn from a photograph taken in a sunny window, which gave the fur a strong rim light. Graphite handles that kind of contrast beautifully; the darkest stripes were laid down with a soft 8B and the highlights lifted out with a sharpened eraser.

Captain

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