Painting royal guinea pigs (and chatting about where I've been)

The annual guinea pig portrait tradition continues, with this year’s episode featuring two new rescue lasses, Lyra and Minerva.
Prints aren’t available at the moment due to RedBubble suspending my shop for no reason :]
DANBAN STUDIO
Instagram: @danbanstudio
/ danbanstudio
www.danbanstudio.com
Want to show your support? Toss a coin to your artist: ko-fi.com/dannybanner
Music:
“Eine Kleine Nachtmusik” by Mozart
“Dance and Whisper” by ANBR
“Country Dance” by SPEARFISHER
“Variation 3” by Ian Post

[@bernadettebanner]

Bold of you to assume these aren't all going to be properly mounted in a dedicated gallery with engraved name plaques and accession numbers

[@DannyBanner]

I’m so ready

[@SonsOfLorgar]

I vow to make a pilgrimage to this future art gallery! Even if economic or civilization collapse forces me to do so by foot and by self made canoe! 😆

[@blktauna]

as they should be

[@matthodek]

The Banner and Banner Pig Portrait International Gallery. BBPPIG...

[@m.maclellan7147]

@@matthodek we need MERCH ! (Insert g.p. emoji here ! )

[@LollipopLozzy454545]

This is how I find out Bernadette has an equally talented and cool sibling, the amount of skill in this family is ridiculous

[@zkkitty2436]

me too dude, I was thinking like this guy looks familiar... and then when bernadette showed up I was like oH

[@miklaughter]

not me being absolutely shocked when she appeared on screen 🤦‍♀i'm bad with names

[@taimdala]

@@zkkitty2436 And Danny's apartment looks familiar too. I think it's Bernadette's NYC apartment. And now Danny gets to live in it. How cool is that?!? 😄

[@birdyfeederz7940]

I saw a thumbnail with a fine -featured dark haired person with very short hair and a guinea pig portrait and did a brief double take. "Woah... Did Bernadette cut her hair off? Wait... No, that's not her. It says Danny. Got it"

[@jenniferb585]

Danny edits most, if not all of Bernadette's videos. Has for a long time, it's in the descriptions, heh. Very talented person. :)

[@melimsah]

"No möther I must look at art" made me die of laughter!

[@WickedChild97]

As a cat parent, Bernadette's numerous attempts to get her furry child to listen to her were PAINFULLY relatable.

[@thundercat287]

I'm thinking of Spongebob where he has to sniff, taste, and be the marble to make art

[@alaskacosplay]

@@WickedChild97same but Im with a chicken who refuses to sit still long enough for anything not involving worms.

[@gardengirl4718]

Your pig paintings are one of the highlights of my year! Brilliant!

[@DannyBanner]

I'm honored 🙏🙏

[@rlelesi]

​@@DannyBanner, you should sell prints of these! I would totally buy a postcard or sticker of your pig paintings.

[@thundercat287]

@@rlelesi Danny has the other ones available in some online shop.

[@scottca9780]

As a non-artist it never doesn't seem like magic to watch a blank canvas become a thing out of thin air, even while watching it happen step by step.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

If you want to see some more art "magic" I suggest you also look into diorama modellers and table top wargame painters

[@AnnaReed42]

As a much less talented artist, same.

[@birdyfeederz7940]

My first thought, seeing the thumbnail (dark hair, same eye shape, the guinea pig portraits she always has on display) and not realizing Bernadette had a sibling: "omg, did she buzz her hair? Wait... No....ah, this is where her portraits come from!" I love them

[@JinnyCJ]

Guinea pig “butt tufts” are known as Rosettes! They are both Abyssinian piggies. ❤

[@BearWomanWisdom]

A friend of mine has her USDA Exotics license and at one point had an American porcupine, an African porcupine, a capybara, and prairie dogs and she had a Victorian family portrait of them all made and tattooed it on her thigh 😂 it was glorious and it was like these paintings

[@Kinochan28]

Lyra can´t stop looking at herself " behold my magnificence!"

[@ragnkja]

Even the things you’ve made that you’re no longer proud enough of to keep public still served their purpose as part of your creative journey 😊

[@DannyBanner]

Absolutely!

[@chaoss5]

How I know if a year has passed? Simple, when I see a new guinea pig portrait I know a year has passed.

[@guineapiggenius]

"Just for the sheer enjoyment of guinea pigs, honestly." Honestly, truer words have never been spoken. Also, this video is further proof AI can never replace human artists. No one's watching Midjourney paint guinea pig portraits for ChatGPT's birthday. Beautiful work!🐹

[@thomasbaron5367]

God both Banner siblings are so perfect And the guinea pigs are so adorable! ❤

[@tanyah.9131]

As a former guinea pig parent, I appreciate the mention of how much work they are, and people definitely need to do their research before getting piggies. I love these portraits so so much!

[@raym4064]

coming back after catching up on last year's pig portrait - I think I like the chattier video of this year more because I can sit here with my crochet and feel like I'm listening to an old friend, whereas the other painting videos are more about the visuals. nothing wrong with either version, but I do enjoy how cozy this one feels

[@clareflattery8720]

Danny, your annual guinea pig portaits inspired me to make a French noblemen dog and really learn about the oil painting process. Thank you! It's really been a blast being inspired by you!

[@m.maclellan7147]

Oooo, do you have a Y.T. or I.G. page ?!

[@m.maclellan7147]

P.s. I DO have a French Bulldog that would be an excellent model ! 😉 👑

[@fishfish7985]

Ah I did a fancy gentleman doggo in October , wasn't nearly as fancy but yeh

[@dlsgl407]

Gosh it's amazing to watch how this painting came to life.... Honestly I could watch this real time it's really enthralling. Thank you

[@DannyBanner]

Thank you! That'd be a good few hours long, but maybe I'll do an unedited time-lapse at some point.

[@enbyfairyyy]

Painting ASMR

[@kimberly_erin]

I’d totally love to watch a full real time video sounds like an amazing bedtime video and seeing how things change as the painting goes along, sometimes artists will completely change direction mid-painting. It’s so interesting! Especially for someone who can’t paint.

[@Bernaren60]

You're a great artist.

[@sandrinedurand3203]

I like the step by step process but I love the reveal with Bernadette and your interaction.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

It's always so wholesome to see Bernadette moved almost to tears with happyness over Danis gift😊

[@birdyfeederz7940]

Also cute to see her as the excited sister, squeaking with pleasure over a thoughtful gift rather than the precise Edwardian lady version of herself in her own videos

[@DelphiaStrickland]

Boy, you sure can tell Danny and Bernadette are related! I have a Guinea pig, too. He is a red and white Abyssinian, with so many cowlicks! His name is Baker von Tater, aka Potato lol I love your piggie portraits!

[@cerwelt]

I should have known by your voice Bernadette was your sister. You sound so much like her. When she came on the screen, I could do nothing but smile. Smiling still. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her show her piggies on her historical clothing channel. Knowing she loves piggies and thin mints puts a new twist on my perspective of her. Glad I ran across you painting piggies in period clothing. Made my grandma style Sunday. Lovely job.

[@birdyfeederz7940]

The piggies and their portraits sneak into a lot of her videos. She'll casually move one off of a Victorian under-dress she's hand sewing, or whatever. That's why i thought she'd cut her hair when i saw the thumbnail...i recognized the portrait style from her videos

[@SonsOfLorgar]

Yay! Another pigart video!❤ Happy Birthday Bernadette!🎉 And thank you Dani for sharing what you feel like sharing, you are the only one who knows what's right for you, everyone else is just along for the parts of the ride you choose to invite us to see😊

[@linakduck31]

They look like mother and daughter in the portraits, so adorable 🥺

[@matthodek]

I'm really glad you have reconnected with things you enjoy. I love to hear creatives consciously choosing to do what speaks to them. The paintings turned out so well, and Bernadette's reaction is priceless. I hope future art historians are thoroughly confused as to why such a gallery, and one of such magnitude, even exists.

[@KellyS_77]

I've always wondered where she got such wonderful whimsical and yet stunningly well done paintings of historically dressed guinea pig royalty. Now I know! :D. You are super talented!!

[@JEleanorDennison]

I did not realize until maybe just a week ago that you did Bernadette’s pig portraits & editing on her videos. Also MINIATURES were a whole genre of portrait painting … there were no photos so people would carry miniatures of their loved ones when traveling

[@TealCheetah]

Looking back on old projects and cringing is a sign of growth!

[@rosmundsen]

The world needs more Guinea Pig portraits.

[@TheMagnoliaWitch]

Glorious! Lyra looks so mischievous and Minerva so quietly dignified! (This makes me want to do portraits of my rats like this. 😂)

[@MichelleSinTO]

Wonderful to see you back! I love seeing the annual Piggy Painting and just how pure & wholesome the tradition (& glimpse into the sibling relationship) is. Looking forward to seeing more videos. Your manner of speaking & production style is always so engaging.

[@DawnOldham]

I saw another creative You Tuber who said she specifically left all of her earlier videos up. She wanted people to see the process of building a business from a small mom and pop to the bigger business that they now are. It gives hope to younger creators to see her humble beginnings. (It's Mr. Kate) 😊

[@marshmallowsandtrash]

Omg i didn't know Bernadette had a brother. Your art is so fantastic!

[@archdukegordy2189]

You know what, miniature portraiture was very popular among nobility during this time period, especially paintings of people who they're very close to. I can see these piggy paintings being along that line :)

[@francearchambault4218]

Both you and Bernadette are so talented. Thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us.

[@soontobechannel743]

Literally what, these r so cute I want these hanged up in my house 😭 if I ever learn to draw I wanna desperately learn to draw royal Guinea pigs to hang up in my room

[@deborahmeyers551]

Your sister is the luckiest to have you paint those two beautiful girls 😊

[@NilZed1]

My brother and sister in law are essentially a guinea pig rescue all on their own. They've rescued so many from the local shelter, which is not at all prepared for the special care required (this is pretty much true of anything but dogs and cats), that now the shelter calls them as soon as any piggies arrive.

[@spiralpython1989]

Piggies! Art! Piggies in Art! These are a few of my favourite things…

[@LaineyBug2020]

I am so happy she decided to get multiple Guinea Pigs! They are heard animals and need to be together!

[@Sir_Arlin]

im watching this video before painting a shield for my LARP because I havent painted in almost 6 years

[@DannyBanner]

Hell yeah! Good luck with the shield, and your mighty battles ahead ⚔️

[@SonsOfLorgar]

What type of shield and what kind of character and setting are you gearing up for?

[@Sir_Arlin]

@@SonsOfLorgar my character is a dwarf of Erebor, but the group I fight in is based off 4th age Dale from lotr after the war of the ring. So this shield is getting the Dale crest we designed. The shield itself is a full contact legal dag/bel type shield, and it was made from half a 55gallon plastic drum and built as a strap shield, cut to a heater style shape.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@Sir_Arlin sounds stable, Have fun! And beware of wood elves, they are far too mercurial to be trusted ;)

[@lorrainemunoa791]

I agree entirely about AI vs real art. This makes me miss Oils, and I too am really feeling drawn back to those roots of classical/traditional media. You do magnificent miniature paintings! It's a double skill, to paint and to paint SMALL. (also the two of you siblings are so adorable and loving. Thanks for sharing some of that joy with us.)

[@debcarroll8192]

It made me so happy to see Bernadette's reaction!

[@cathryncampbell8555]

"Pig Approved" is the Chef's Kiss to this delightful video. Danny, you have abundant artistic gifts -- as well as an enchanting sense of the absurd. Guinea pigs in Renaissance costume is an inspired choice.

[@tanyah.9131]

Im glad for the mention about how much work they are.. people assume they aren't... or, in my case go by old info from when I had them as a kid in the 80s then find myself frantically googling everything to get up to speed 😅 I just love seeing these portraits come to life!

[@SewHealthyWithDiane]

I didn’t know she got 2 new pigs! Sweet!

[@chrysolite2842]

I want to see, in 500 years, what archeologists would think about the historical value of a galery full of guinea pigs portraits.

[@catzenhouse]

Oh my gosh! The first portrait you show (the Elizabethan woman with red hair) is one of my great-great X's grandmothers, Helena Snakenborg, Marchioness of Northampton. Marvelous paintings, by the way. Would love to see all of your paintings of guinea pigs as well. Best wishes.

[@raym4064]

110% would sign up for chatty painting videos and/or bonus guinea pig shenanigans - also loving the "new" editing style over on Bernadette's channel! getting to see her "inside faces" during ingredient measuring definitely upped the entertainment value for me :D and your voice is deeper in this video than when I last heard it (maybe a couple years back, oops) :)

[@valariebrown3768]

The word is DELIGHT. I paint kindness rocks for nothing but fun, and not very well, but if I can bring a tiny fraction of this delight to someone with my little works, I shall be content. HBD Bernadette, and major sibling points to Danny!🎉🎉🎉

[@threadsandpurrs]

Continuing the fine tradition of tiny art. There were even smaller portraits worn as brooches and necklaces. I'm impressed with your painting skill and loved Bernadette's reaction. Lyra has toddler energy. She won't sit still.

[@jls4382]

Its so beautiful seeing the love and talent expressed by these siblings. I look forward to these videos so much! Thank-you!

[@betsymcgovern3267]

Bernadette is so lucky to have a sibling like you! You have a great soul.

[@margisshenanigans11]

Amazing! I am definetly ready to see a Guinea Pig fashion through the ages series😂

[@rachelmiller2280]

As per usual, I find nothing but joy in seeing your work. Excellent work, Danny! And as a dog rescuer, I cannot rescue my own pig. However, I am very glad to know such rescue organizations exist. Now then, as for Bernadette’s portrait gallery, might we ever see an Edwardian piggy? Would the dress historians be shocked by a 1970s roller skating pig? For that matter, who doesn’t need some hipster pigs, or fairy pigs, or…pirate pigs? I now must sigh that such works are not yet in existence…but they could be 😊

[@jenniferlynn3537]

As someone who has always gotten more joy from watching others’ excitement at opening gifts, THIS was truly a gift. So thank you. 🌝 I wish I understood more of the magic behind turning oil paint into realistic portraiture- so yes, Danny, I would VERY much appreciate more content on your process....and I have patience for a good 40 minute video, if you have the will to make it....🙌🏻

[@melimsah]

You can also utilize things like linseed oil to your oil paint to do glazes to make the brush strokes less obvious if you step away for awhile

[@emmalehtonen6868]

Somehow it always surprises me how similar some of hers and your mannerisms are... Anyway - the paintings are amazing!

[@TarunoNafs]

I can't believe I actually feel a sharp jealousy when you mentioned "quitting the internet" casually. Well, now I'll have to do something about this. Thanks for making me realize the problem, Danny!

[@BeansOfStarlight]

I really like what you were saying about creating because you want to create instead of feeling an obligation. I really want to get back into painting because of you

[@jspohl]

You sister will need to open her own art museum for them if you keep going! They are beautiful! 💖

[@NomadicElfling]

Bernadette’s reaction is what every creative person hopes for when giving handmade stuffs 🥹

[@shelleyscanlon6433]

I love Bernadette's guinea pig portraits!!! I loved seeing how they come to be. Such talent, both of you!

[@barbieburnanator1738]

As a guinea pig mama and fellow oil painter myself, I loved this from start to finish video. I only have one oil painting of one of my piggies, and I still need to do paint the other two. But I never thought to paint them in this royal piggie style, definitely things to think about for future paintings!!

[@donnabaeten1185]

Thank you for sharing this creative process and joyful interaction each year. I do so look forward to it. Welcome, Mademoiselles Minerva and Lyra! Happy birthday, whenever it was, Bernadette!

[@dahc2332]

Our discussion about AI art all those years ago is still one of my favorites. Is art about the message it inspires or the work that you dedicate to creating it?

[@m.maclellan7147]

The thing that gets me about A.I. is the fact that is grabs images online like a vacuum - no credit or payment ever given, and the HANDS ! A.I. doesn't understand hands. Brings it quickly into "Uncanny Valley". Hire an artist, people !

[@gigglepantsiii9350]

I think the smallest I've ever painted was 4x6" and the dresses have so much detail without it looking cramped or squished! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and process and Bernadette's reaction to the newest pieces to her piggy gallery of fashion

[@avivagodfrey]

Not me being totally distracted like "IS THAT BERNADETTE'S OLD APARTMENT-" (I'm sure this is a thing that happens, I'm just entirely too backwoods. XDD)

[@marikotrue3488]

While the creation process was riveting, the reveal adorable, it was the live subjects placed next to their fantastical historical counterparts that was absolutely hilarious. My pig only stands still for green leaf lettuce, otherwise she is a bouncing ball of fluff.

[@ntpruett]

Oh my word the pig paintings have my heart!

[@drummerlovesbookworm9738]

I have spurts of resistance to digital art and music. Even food. Digital food sucks. I don’t think it’s because I AM old but because I’m a people who is blown away by what peoples can do. I love these pig portraits. What a great gift. 🤎

[@alexiswhitfield1796]

i saw the thumbnail and was like "bernadette?" and now i have a new art inspiration account that i probably will never use for art but i will watch it and be like, "one day imma do that" 👌

[@josephineswaim1964]

Oh. My. Gosh. I can't believe I've found this channel I'm in love

[@missvioletnightchild2515]

Danny, these are epic as usual!! Bernadette's reaction says it all really 💖

[@shmataboro8634]

To you: microscopic. To Lyra and Minerva: Life Sized Portraits.

[@beckycollier-burgess1568]

Just over here, sitting at my desk, grinning like a fool because of pig pics!! Lovely to see another video from you Danny 🙂

[@pheart2381]

As a former pig parent I can attest that those noses are perfection!

[@ssgtmole8610]

Thank you for sharing your painting again this year. I am smiling from ear to ear. Very wonderful! 🥰😎

[@ellajando-saul2493]

I honestly think these are two of your best pig portraits! I think the small size makes them maybe more intimate? Like you need to get up close with the portrait? And I love how much you can tell how much you love these two pigs as you paint them and talk about painting them and talk about them!

[@Fangs4DaMemories]

I have waiting since....like FEBRUARY! checking your YT and Insta accounts... "Okay.. anything... :( No..." "Hhhmmm, it's March, maybe.... nope. Damn." Today: "IT'S HERE!!!" Absolutely awesome work! My elderly mother (she's 88) loves your artwork. Bonnie Pig Charlie had her awestruck. "All that detail!!" :)

[@nicolakunz231]

Danny! 🎉 nice to see you again. I always love to see The Annual Pig Portrait. The online detox sounds like a really good idea and I'm glad it helped. The fine detail is Insane 🤩 I am forever in love with her reactions.

[@juliettedemaso7588]

Dude I’m ded. 🫠🥰 I love this family. ☺️🥹

[@maureenstrang6130]

The paintings are beautiful. Bernadette's reaction is always a highlight of the video.

[@VianneyCreates]

You are so talented!! Just wow! OK, your sissy’s reaction made me tear up! How sweet.

[@shinrin777]

Doing God's work painting guinea pigs in historical costumes!

[@stolenzephyr]

I don't know if I've watched any of your other videos. But the algorithm knows that I want to see this every year.

[@pauloliveira93]

OMG, I knew I had seen the sister before! It's Bernadette! What a talented family! Love it!

[@lauredemoor]

I came here after discovering Minerva and Lyra in a video of Bernadette and read the comments to understand ho are those new fluff cuties. So grateful to discover the channel of Danny :D

[@matrixiekitty2127]

Such lovely ladies!! I adore these piggy portraits they’re too cute!! And Bernadette’s reaction is so freaking wholesome ahh!!

[@jspohl]

How cute and beautifully painted too! 🖌✨

[@sherryblack7586]

These are precious. Bernadette’s reaction was great.😊

[@brendadion7868]

Minerva...you had me at Minerva😊❤️

[@holyknuckled]

they're so FRICKIN cute dude oh my god !! i love these sm they look so COOL 😭

[@evelynedavid9564]

The Boleyn sisters ❤ !

[@pennydreadfull]

I absolutely L💜VE your piggy paintings! Makes me miss my piggy Edgar.

[@asilverfoxintasmania9940]

The roses around the edge of the frame remind me of the borders you get in manuscripts. I would be so tempted to add in some blue cardboard or such behind the rose buds to get that effect! And that is so the reaction you want when you make something for a family member or friend! You know a book of guinea pigs through the fashion ages would sell! Well I would buy a copy.

[@michaelahuss2123]

Yes!! The Guinea pig portrait gallery continues!!! Thanks as always for sharing your art and your interests with us!!! 🌟

[@danaondrackova3431]

seems like Lyra absolutely adores her picture :D:D

[@xero.93.]

banner siblings together >>>>

[@susangrace3675]

These are fabulous! Love my pups in portrait!!! Great designs.

[@centurycountess4949]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that dream mission you wish for your sister becomes reality. the moment you mentioned a wall of portraits of cute guinea pig portraits, the first thing that popped in my head is the portrait gallery in I believe The Hatfield House in England.(I may be thinking of another area. They have a wall that makes me think of the color match block game app due to portraits of various sizes and shapes hung up together with very little gaps from the top of the wall to the near bottom. So many you can barely see the actual wall it self because there's a thousand or more eyes just starring in portraits from different time periods.

[@Jumawi1999]

They turned out so beautifully! Absolutely amazing!