Daniel

Here is my posting today of Daniel. I'm getting there with the skin tones and starting to put in the detail around the eyes etc. My daylight lamp has made the photo a lot lighter than the original but you can see how it's starting to look.

Daniel

This little cutie is Daniel. I was lucky enough to paint his sister Charlotte a couple of years ago and now it's Daniel's turn! Painting humans is completely different to animals so I'm having to remember how but I do love painting people, especially kids with cheeky grins. When painting skin tones, I have to work a lot more loosely, building up lots of layers, starting with darker tones and layering the lighter tones on top. I've done one lot of layers on Daniel's face but tend to go over it again once these layers are dry as it makes for a more even colour. With animals, I tend to paint in the individual hairs so it's quite a different process. Human skin has a very smooth tone compared to animal fur so requires more blending which can be tricky with acrylics but again, part of the challenge I enjoy. Am I mad??!! (hopefully no one I know will answer that as I know what they'll say!)

Parson - Finished

Here is the finished version of Parson, awaiting approval. This has been a brilliant painting to do thanks to the fantastic detail in the photo and also the interesting pose. Fingers crossed for the verdict!

Parson

I didn't manage to finish the painting today but here are a couple of updates of the work I did do. I've a few tweaks to make to Parson's face and then it's just the ear and finer details such as whiskers to add on. My eyes need a rest now after spending the day painting in so many little hairs!

Parson

I'm getting there! I'm really hoping to get this painting finished tomorrow as, working for myself, I didn't realise it was Easter this weekend and that hubby will be having a 4 day weekend! When you work for yourself, you tend to forget that bank holidays exist, especially having no kids I have no idea when school holidays are. As for knowing what the date is, I rarely have a clue!

Parson

Here is today's update. I am loving doing this painting, not just because of Parson being so gorgeous but also because it's a really interesting pose which gives me a new challenge and keeps painting portraits refreshing.

Parson

Here is the very first, and basic, stage of Parson. I've put the background on (with added light reflection from the window!) and have blocked in the canvas with Parson's main colours, just to cover up the canvas to stop it showing through later in the painting. I've been really looking forward to this painting as Beagles are one of my favourite dog breeds and this is also a fantastic photo for me to work from.