Painters Online Logo

Login/register

Studio

Difficulty drawing black dogs

Welcome to the forum.

Here you can discuss all things art with like-minded artists, join regular painting challenges, ask questions, buy and sell art materials and much more.

Make sure you sign in or register to join the discussions.

Hang on Studio Wall
Showing page 1 of 2
Author
Message

Rachel Wood

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 16
Posted
Am attempting a portrait of a black lab and think  I’ve ‘bitten off more than I can chew’ Am not happy with it and wondered if anyone here can share their experience etc I think the drawing is ‘off’ a bit too?  Any tips/ feedback appreciated. - 
IMG_6882

Paul (Dixie) Dean

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 13986
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4553
Posted
I can’t give any advice as it a subject that I don’t paint myself, but I think you have done a superb job of it so far . I would be very pleased with what you have achieved I do hope someone will give you the advise your asking for.
IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 6377
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 1783
Posted
An objective eye is helpful….first of all about it being ‘off’…your sketch is smaller, the angle of the head is a bit different but I don’t think that matters. However, the neck is too long and maybe a shade too thick for the sketch size. Shorten and thin the neck first ans see what that does.

Alan Bickley

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 9073
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 3428
Posted
Some good observations from Marjorie! It’s such a tricky subject/ colour but you’ve done a great job here. It might be worth having a look at some of the dog portraits that Sarah Eden has done, she’s painted black dogs before… She’s on the gallery plus her own website!

Rachel Wood

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 16
Posted
Thank you Paul, Marjorie and Alan, really helpful. Unfortunately allowed someone to talk me in to this and wished I hadn’t as it’s so much pressure.. Will do as suggested and see if it can be improved.. Thank you again 

Rachel Wood

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 16
Posted
Sorry Alan I’m not sure what I’ve done but touched the little thumbs up symbol and have apparently given reputation for your post, not sure what that means…. 

Christine Rogan

  • Forum Member +
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 117
Posted
One extra point to add Rachel is that the fur on black dogs often show other colours. I can see purples, blues and lilacs in the photo, especially on the dogs head. Hope this is helpful to you. 

Painters-Online Team

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 3002
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 773
Posted
Paul Talbot-Greaves has some top advice here https://www.painters-online.co.uk/tips-techniques/acrylic/articles/how-to-paint-pet-portraits/ You might find more tips in the techniques area too by searching dog or pet.

Rachel Wood

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 16
Posted
Thank you so much Christine and painters online team- really helpful- 

Sylvia Evans

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 15279
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 4120
Posted
He's lovely, Rachel . comments re colour in the fur are spot on.Maybe use something lighter for the background...look at the models green background with different shades of gree,.   He's a smasher.  So sorry I got your name muddled.

Edited
by Sylvia Evans

IMG_8857

Marjorie Firth

  • Prestige User
  • Reputation: 6377
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 1783
Posted
Re commissions…I avoid them now, especially if it’s not a usual subject, but, like you, Rachel, I sometimes weaken and regret it!

Rachel Wood

  • Forum Member
  • Last active:
  • Posts: 16
Posted
Thank you Sylvia that’s so helpful, and yes I agree Marjorie; I don’t like them at all- I’m no good under pressure!!
Showing page 1 of 2