PORTRAITS of a principal’s pooch were painted by four students at Swindon College.

Charlie the dog has been a familiar sight around the college since principal Steve Wain rescued him in 2010.

First year BA illustration students Kira Bartlett, Ben Gwillim and Brandon Vincent, and third-year student Kiera Walker-Stirton presented Mr Wain with their portraits of the pet.

All the students booked time with Charlie for a drawing session, where they practised their speed-sketching to capture the sense of character and details of the dog from different angles.

Brandon used a tablet and computer programme to produce his digital artwork, using a stylus to do the drawing and using a colour effect behind Charlie’s picture to make it stand out.

Kiera used watercolours in her artwork.

Ben sketched with pencils to capture all the intricate details of the dog as he yawned.

Kira used oils for her painting which took 28 hours over five days to finish.

She said: “I’m really proud of it. It’s the first dog painting I’ve ever done and I was surprised how well it came out.

“There was a lot of pressure. Taking on the commission of painting a pet portrait can be slightly terrifying as pet owners are usually the most critical.

“But the principal really liked them and he seemed quite happy.

“I’ll be telling people about this for ages. It’s definitely given me more confidence in painting and showing people my work.

“Charlie was incredibly friendly and comforting, he’s really nice.

“I worked hard to capture his personality in the painting, not just his appearance.

“The portraits were my tutor’s idea to get a bit of healthy competition between us.

“Oil is my favourite medium, I can be patient with it as it doesn’t dry as quickly as other mediums.”

Mr Wain said: “I’m delighted and overwhelmed with their final pieces.

“I’m so impressed with their work that I’ll be displaying the pictures in my office.

“It came as a really pleasant surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting so many students to submit and the standard of work is exceptional.

“I just need to find wall space to hang them all.

“Charlie, too, is delighted.”

Staff at Swindon College have noticed the beneficial effect that having a dog on site has on youngster and improved the way that students engaged with their studies.

Dean Parsons, head of learning for foundation studies, said: “Charlie’s influence on the students in my curriculum area means that there is better attendance and engagement.

“This has led to much better achievement, especially for those with complex needs.

“Charlie has a calming influence and gives the students an opportunity to take part in different activities with him such as animal management.”