Painting A Pet Portrait in Watercolors and Gouache - Husky Dog

"Mason"

Husky Dog

Commission Pet Portrait

10x10" Watercolor/Gouache

I have completed a number of Pet portraits, but these blue eyes are one of my favorites.

Here's a little glimpse of my progress along the way.

I start with the eye's and nose, and then light washes around the fur and ears. Once those are dry I build upon those washes and darken them. The final touches are the layers and layers with a fine brush detailing in all the fur.

 

One of my go to supplies while painting is the OttLite with the little magnify glass, it gives of great natural lighting and I can see all the little fur strokes on my pet portraits, although I do use this light for all my paintings! I'll post a link for the light down below for you.

For "Mason" the husky I only used 2 brushes. A number 1 Arists water colour sable rigger brush by Winsor and Newton and a fine liner brush.

Below is the original reference photograph of Mason that the client emailed to me. 

He's a beautiful Husky don't you think!

Here is the link for the OttLite

How long does it take you to paint at Custom Pet Portrait?

One of my favorite subjects to paint are pet portraits. This is a commission painting I just finished of Mason, he's a beautiful looking husky don't you think! 

It's always interesting when I just start out how much the paintings change during the whole detailing process, I've shared some steps during my painting process below. 

People always ask me how long does it take to paint a pet and you know, it really varies. I spend an absorbament amount of time on the details once the basic shape is in. I start and stop on a painting throughout the day, but find that once I'm "INTO" the painting it's hard for me to NOT keep working for hours on end until I'm happy with a section. 

That being said....I've learned along the way that when you are frustrated with a section or piece of your painting, it's best to walk away. Many times after I let my eyes and mind rest, I come back and spot that one little problem area right away.

Sometimes it will take me weeks to complete a painting and other times things just go smoothly and I'll accomplish it in days.  Each painting varies and in some cases what I think will be easy...turns out to be harder than expected.  

So I guess to answer the question - How long does it take me? Well the answer is...I never know. Because like every person and pet - each painting is different and takes on a life of it's own.

Custom Pet Portrait Information