When a Dog Portrait Takes 7 Tries: Zola the Dobermann

PAWTRAIT of the month: ZOLA

If you think Jeff can always paint a perfect dog in 20 mins, you have to read this because when I was painting versions after versions of ZOLA, I almost had to give up for the first time (no, that’s not an option). Yet, I probably spent the longest time ever to get the final happy yes from my customer, a capture that we both are very proud of.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce ZOLA the doberman. She lives in Hong Kong together with 2 siblings Princess and Minnie.

“ZOLA might need an adjustment…” When I sent Zola’s first capture together with the other 5 PAWTRAITS to this customer, she quickly said YES to the 5 of them, except ZOLA’s. It happens, because the freehand painting means it is always off a little, instead of looking exactly like it, but there are times, I painted it “too off”. 

It is my customer's promise to make sure the PAWTRAIT brings them a big smile for a very long time. So I repainted a few more ZOLAs quickly and reverted to her. 

Embarrassingly, none of them really hit the button. Of course, every capture has something good and unique and improved, but not good enough to represent ZOLA. At that point, I was quite anxious that I might fail.


Rushing for the results seemed only pulling me further away from painting confidently. I took a few days break because I couldn’t paint when I felt numb about a dog. I watched a few episodes of “THE DOGHOUSE” on Channel 4, videos and insta posts of ZOLA’s. I felt that click and I was ready to do ZOLA version 7! 

I took a deep breath, picked up my brush, dipped the ink and started painting as if it was my first attempt. An hour later, it’s completed. I left it on the table and came back to look at it with the other 6. This one was truly special.

Zola’s mommy had the same feeling and she gave me the YES! It is surely one of the most unforgettable painting processes for myself and I am so pleased that I created something precious for my customer once again. 

I hope I can paint for you (and your dog) very soon : )


*version 1 (left) & version 7 (right)