Show your pet's personality in a portrait

What can we use if we don't have paints or markers for the 'Fill in the large colour areas' step?

If you don't have paints or markers for the 'Fill in the large colour areas' step, use crayons, coloured pencils, watercolours, or cut-paper collage and remember to label your chosen colours on the paper edge as instructed.

My pet won't hold a pose and my colours keep smudging—how can I fix these problems?

If your pet won't hold a pose for the 'Pick one pose' and 'Lightly sketch' steps, take several quick photos or a short video to choose a clear frame to sketch from, and to prevent smudging follow the 'Let the paint or marker layers dry completely' step and build up colours in thin layers.

How can I adapt this portrait activity for different ages?

For younger kids simplify the 'Write down three words' to one word, use chunky crayons and tracing for the 'Lightly sketch' step and have an adult write the two short sentences, while older kids can add shading, mixed media in 'Add texture and small details,' and write a longer artist statement before signing and dating.

What are some ways to make the portrait more special or advanced after finishing the main steps?

To enhance and personalize the portrait, add a themed background showing the pet's favourite place, use mixed media like tissue or yarn for fur during 'Add texture and small details,' create a series of mood portraits, and then sign, date, and share the best ones on DIY.org.