Work in Progress

This is the first stage of "Harley",
a Yorkshire Terrier.

The first step is to lay out the sketch of the pet making sure that all the proportions are correct. I also need to be sure that the sketch doesn't extend too far to the edges as it could accidentally be covered up with the inside edges of a frame.

The second phase of the portrait is to lay out base colors. I make sure that I get the darks around the eyes and nose properly placed and make sure to lay down the lights of the portrait. This would be things as the "glints" in the eyes, the shine on the dogs nose and the highlighted areas of the fur.

The next phase is to continue laying down color in small strokes. I always make sure that I stroke the pastel in the same direction that a dog's fur naturally grows. This is a very important step that is often overlooked in some drawings and paintings. If this is not done, you will lose the realistic effect that you are trying to achieve. The eyes, nose and mouth are darkened and more defined.

The final phase is to continue to build layers of color and highlights in small wispy strokes to keep the look of real fur going. Layer upon layer upon layer is done until it is complete. Final touches of highlightes in the eyes, nose and fur are done. Any darks that need to be defined are done so as well. After a little bit of fine tuning, the portrait is completed.

Harley's reference photo is below.