WIP. German shepherd dog.

[pugwash]

Someone said they would be interested in a WIP so here it is.

A new commission of "Amus" a handsome search and rescue dog from here in Perth. Sadly no longer with us. Painted in pastel on Mi-Tientes paper, about 32cm x 45cm.

First stage is a sparse but accurate drawing in conte pencil. I've started putting in the darkest values wth black pastel.

[pugwash]

Continued roughly blocking in the darkest areas. I'm not too bothered about being too exact at this stage. I'm just establishing the dark bits and trying to get a feel for the shape of the head.

Please feel free to post any comments.

[wheelinround]

:2tsup::2tsup:

[pugwash]

Starting to add some colour to the painting. I'm only using 5 or 6 pastels at this stage and not getting too involved in detail. The technique is what one of my clients calls "carefully organised scribble"

This is the first work I've done since having a hip replacement operation last month and it's really tiring to sit in one place too long. I'll do more tomorrow.

[pugwash]

I'm continuing to build up the colour, rubbing some bits back and layering more colour on top and making marks with the pastel in the direction that the dogs coat lies. I still try to keep everything loose and not get bogged down in detail. Not wearing my reading glasses until the end stages helps with this.

Before I start putting the final touches to the head study I need to do the background. I have made no attempt to paint grass or sky, just an "out of focus" neutral colour. Once I put the final details in it will make the head stand out. I usually put the painting to one side now and get started on another. When I come back to it, any mistakes will be obvious. Hopefully.

[chrisb691]

Your animal portraits just blow me away, they are absolutely stunning.

[pugwash]

Your animal portraits just blow me away, they are absolutely stunning.

Thanks Chris.

[pugwash]

This is the finished portrait of "Amus".I've finished all the little details, especially where the hair goes over the background. Fixed the nose. Erased a few smudges on the light grey part of the background, which is the original paper. All that's left to do is sign it and frame it, and show it to my dog Django who is my greatist critic. Sometimes he barks at them.

Thank you everyone for looking, and for your encouraging comments.

[wheelinround]

Pugwash thats a great WIP nice work :2tsup::2tsup::2tsup: TY

[pugwash]

Thanks Wheelin'

[pugwash]

Well, the client came to pick up the portrait of "Amus" this morning. He spent a few minutes playing with my Shepherd "Django" and seemed to be putting off going through to the studio to see his picture. It's always a bit of a tense moment for both client and artist.

When he saw it on the easel he went very still and quiet and I thought "Oh no, he doesn't like it!" But then I saw a little tear in his eye so I left him alone and went to find something to wrap the painting in. When I came back he was very enthusiastic and happy and we discussed doing a portrait of his wifes dog too.

So, another happy customer and a pocket full of cash. I'm going to go out tomorrow and get some tassie oak to make a couple of dulcimers with.
Thanks everyone for following this thread, I've enjoyed the experience.
_________________

[Groggy]

There is some real skill there, great work :2tsup:

[pugwash]

There is some real skill there, great work :2tsup:

Thanks Groggy.

[Christos]

I only saw this recently and wish to say thank you for the Work in progress.

Very nice portrait

[pugwash]

Thank you Christos.
I had fun doing it.