First start with good quality photo's, a few things really help make the final painting a success - good light - good angles and very important... in focus!





Once the photographs are chosen I start to sketch the portrait. At this stage I'm basically mapping out the composition, making sure the proportions are correct and making a note of the way the coat lies or tonal changes for example.



When I start to paint I always begin with the eye. For me its the most crucial part of the painting, the expression in any animal's eye is a major part of its character, get this wrong and its just another painting of another dog or horse. I pride myself on capturing YOUR dog or horse, personality and all!



I'm happy with the eye itself and now move on to build up the area around the eye.



A bit more detail added.



Now for the nose, always tricky as I've gone from painting hair to a completely different texture.



Nearly all of the facial features done, I can now move onto the ear.



I need to create the fur on the neck and the body, this is a great opportunity to show you how the lighter tones are added first......



.....then built up with darker colours and final detail.



The second dog is created using the same steps, here we see the lighter wash laid down for the coat on the neck.



Followed by the build up of tone and texture.
Finally a pale blue 'sky' wash for background and the painting is finished!



I have mounted and framed this one as well as requested by the customer.