Megan by Karen Hayes

I find a touch of mauve, rust and blue helps with a black coat - but this girl is so true to life! I know, I had two elderly black Labs. Couldn't get our current 14 month old girl to sit like this though... A lovely portrait.

What a darling dog! I haven't ever attempted a black dog (or any dog for that matter) but I know how hard it must be. This has turned out beautifully though, so I think you have cracked it.

Lovely, such soulful eyes

I'm with you there, all black or all white dogs are the hardest to do.

Black fur isn't really black there are subtle hues of other colours in it. What you have done here is fabulous and if the person who commissioned you doesn't agree then there is something far wrong. I did a gorilla and it was all black and I found ochre, green and purple tones in the fur. never tried all white but that sets another challenge.... Fabulous painting.