Just a quick update on the portrait of Skye and Isis now that I am totally happy with the background and sky effect using quite lively brush marks. The range of colours and strategically placed light and dark areas should hopefully make both dogs stand out.
Now I've blocked in the main areas on Skye (the dog on the right) and have to work from the right hand side of a painting to left because I'm left handed! I will now do the same on Isis.
I am also adding richer shadows around their chest areas in order to give a three dimensional feel, to make them appear as if the are coming out of the background, not to look like flat cutouts.
The stage after is when my favourite process begins, in painting the strongest darks, wispy fur ( love painting the wisps on Border Collie's ears), selective detail and making the fur effect look softer with blends...
Then lastly the strongest highlights and highlights in their beautiful iridescent blue eyes to bring everything to life...
