What is Art-tography by Breen Photo?

Art-tography (noun)

1. The creative practice of transforming a photograph into a unique work of art by combining photographic capture with techniques such as digital painting, compositing, specialized filters, advanced editing, and hand-applied paint or texture.

2. The resulting artwork produced by this process.

From Great Photos to Great Artwork

Step 1 - Photography!

Every Art-tography project starts with a Breen Photo session—Where we will capture stunning photos that becomes the foundation for your mixed-media art piece.

Step 2 - Expert Editing

Once we have a great picture as a starting point, I'll move to the editing phase. This includes removing distractions like leashes and leads, cleaning up the environment, refining colors, and enhancing the overall look of the image. Every adjustment is made with one goal in mind: when you see your dog’s portrait for the first time, it should stop you in your tracks and make you say, “Wow!”

Step 3 - Designing the Perfect Setting

Selecting the right scene is one of the most exciting parts of the process. I start by researching your dog’s breed history and characteristics—things like where the breed originated, what it was bred to do, and what environments it naturally connects with.

Step 4 - Apply Digital Magic

Once the scene is built and the portrait is perfectly edited, the next step is bringing the two together seamlessly. Using a series of specialized digital techniques, I blend your dog into the environment while preserving their natural look, expression, and personality. The goal is always the same: to keep your dog exactly recognizable, while surrounding them with the rich, painterly atmosphere inspired by Old Masters artwork. This careful merging process is what gives each Art-tography piece its timeless, museum-worthy feel.

Step 5 - Printing

With the digital work complete, it’s time to bring it to life on canvas. I use a high-resolution UV printer that applies the image directly onto the canvas surface and instantly cures it with UV light. This process creates exceptional detail, vibrant tones, and a durable finish that’s made to last. The result is a beautifully printed piece that feels rich, textured, and ready to display.

Step 6- Brushing Details

Once the canvas is printed, I elevate the artwork even further with traditional hand-painted embellishments. Using fine brushes and carefully selected paints, I highlight key areas, add subtle texture, and bring out details that deserve extra attention. These brush strokes create depth, dimension, and that unmistakable painterly feel—giving your finished piece the warmth and character of a true, handcrafted work of art.

Step 7 - Acrylic Gel

The final step brings everything together. I apply a hand-brushed acrylic gel coating across the entire canvas, creating the rich texture and movement that can only be achieved with real brushwork. This protective layer adds depth, enhances the painterly character of the piece, and gives your artwork that unmistakable “brush-on-canvas” finish that feels timeless and truly handcrafted.

Start your journey today!

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