Easy Guide: Painting A Dog In 5 Steps

Painting a dog can seem daunting, but it's easier than you think! Whether you're using acrylics, oils, or watercolours, the key is to break it down into simple steps. First, gather your supplies: paints, brushes, palette, tracing paper, pencils, markers, and a canvas. Choose a good reference photo with clear details, good lighting, and the right angle. Map out the proportions and sketch the outline. Identify the different value areas and start painting the basic values. Pay close attention to the eyes and nose, adding life to these features. With the right approach and some practice, you'll be creating timeless masterpieces of your furry friends in no time!

Choosing the right paintbrush

Type of Paint

The type of coating or paint you are using plays a crucial role in determining the paintbrush that will perform best. Synthetic brushes are recommended for acrylic and water-based paints, as they offer superior paint pickup and a smooth, professional finish. Synthetic brushes are highly versatile and can be used with various filaments, such as nylon, nylon/polyester blend, or polyester. On the other hand, if you are using oil-based paints, natural bristle brushes are typically preferred as they provide a smoother finish. Natural bristle options include Black China, Ox-hair Blend, or White China.

Surface Texture

The texture of the surface you are painting on is another important consideration. For smooth surfaces, opt for soft and versatile brushes with medium-stiff filaments. These brushes are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can be used with latex and oil-based paints. If you are working on a rough or textured surface, choose a stiffer and more durable brush, such as those made with natural bristles or synthetic options like nylon, which can withstand the wear and tear of rough surfaces.

Brush Size and Shape

Consider the size and shape of the brush in relation to the surface you will be painting. For precise control when working on smaller areas or narrow surfaces, select a smaller brush. Wider brushes, ranging from 2 to 4 inches, are more suitable for cutting in or painting larger, flat surfaces. Additionally, some brushes have angled bristles, while others have square ends, so choose a shape that aligns with the strokes and coverage needed for your painting.

Cost and Quality

While cost is not always indicative of quality, investing in a high-quality paintbrush can provide several benefits. Better-quality brushes tend to hold more paint, deliver smoother results, last longer, and are generally easier to clean. Expect to pay a higher price for top-quality brushes, but remember that building a collection of varied brushes will ensure you have the right tool for any painting project.

Getting the eyes right

First, start with a sketch. Then, paint the pupils with a very dark brown or grey, leaving the reflective spots blank. You can use Dark Burnt Umber, for example, but other colours work too. Black can be too harsh and does not allow you to go darker if needed. Next, paint the iris with the dog's eye colour, which will be a shade lighter than the pupil. Generally, dogs' irises are much smaller than humans', as their pupils are larger. Outline the eyelids with grey, using a thicker line on top to show tiny hairs. Then, paint a thin white line in the middle of the lower eyelid to show light reflection on the ridge.

Remember, you do not need to paint every detail of the eye. It is more important that the eyes have 'it'—that essence that grabs you and pulls you in when you view the painting.

Painting the nose

Choose the Right Photo:

Start by selecting a reference photo that clearly shows the dog's nose. Ensure the photo has good lighting, an accurate representation of the dog, and minimal distortion. The photo should be printed on standard 8.5" x 11" paper, filling up the entire sheet. This will help you easily trace the nose onto your canvas.

Prepare Your Materials:

Before you begin painting, gather your art supplies, including acrylic paints, paintbrushes, a palette, tracing paper, soft art pencils, and a canvas. Having the right tools will make painting the nose much easier.

Block in the Basic Shape:

To paint a realistic dog's nose, start by blocking in the basic shape. Use a mid-grey colour for the base and a darker grey, almost black, for the outline and nostrils. This will create the foundation for the nose.

Add Shadows and Highlights:

Once you have the basic shape, glaze the shadows with thinned-down grey paint in a darker shade than your base coat. For the highlights, use a small detail brush to add tiny specks of light grey and white in a pointillism style. This technique will capture the texture of the dog's nose and give it a wet look.

Adjust Colours as Needed:

Some dogs have pink markings on their noses. If you're painting a dog with pink markings, add them now, ensuring they remain pale and not too saturated to maintain a realistic appearance.

Final Details:

Take your time and pay close attention to the nose area. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the nose is proportional and accurately captures the dog's features. Remember, the eyes and nose are the most prominent features of a dog portrait, so they deserve extra care and attention.

Using the right photo

When painting a dog, it is important to select the right photo to use as a reference. The photo should capture the dog's personality and convey a sense of their character. It should also have good lighting, with the dog clearly visible and not hidden in shadow or washed out by bright light. A plain background is ideal, as it can be distracting if there are too many other things in the picture.

The angle of the photo is also key. Some angles are more flattering than others, and lens distortion can be an issue if the camera is too close to the dog's face, making certain features look larger than they are in reality. It is also important to consider the dog's pose. A photo that captures the dog's entire head and front chest area, with the dog looking forward or to the side, is a good option.

The photo should also showcase the dog's eyes and nose clearly, as these are the most prominent features in a dog portrait. The eyes are particularly important, as they are often the first thing you'll paint, and they bring the portrait to life. It is helpful if the photo shows the eyes open wide, with a clear view of the dark outline and inner eyelid.

If you are painting a dog with a long coat, consider selecting a photo that shows the direction of the fur, as this will help you create a realistic texture. You may also want to look for photos that capture the colours of the dog's surroundings, as these reflected colours can be added to your painting for added realism.

Finally, if you are unable to find the perfect photo of your dog, you can always use royalty-free dog images as references or combine multiple photos into one portrait.

Sketching and toning the canvas

Sketching the Canvas

Sketching the canvas involves creating an under-structure sketch of your dog on the canvas. Start by carefully mapping out the dog's proportions using your reference image. Mark the major lines of action, such as the tilt of the eyes or the center line of the head. Also, map the negative space or shadow formed by the dog around the surrounding area. These lines and angles are crucial for ensuring correct proportions in your painting.

Toning the Canvas

Before beginning to paint, you can tone the canvas to create a background for your dog. This step is optional but can help your dog stand out in the painting. Choose a color that will complement the fur color of your dog. For example, a yellow or red background can work well for a black-and-white dog, while a yellow background can complement a brown dog. You can also mix colors to create the desired tone. For instance, mixing white and black into medium magenta can create a softer pink tone.

Adjusting the Sketch

After toning the canvas, you may want to adjust your sketch to ensure it aligns with the background color. Use a detail brush to outline the nose and eyes and fill in the nostrils and pupils, which will be the darkest parts of your painting. You can use black to outline the nose and mid-gray to fill it in. This step will boost your confidence as you move forward with your painting.

Practicing Color Mixing

Before applying paint to the canvas, practice mixing the colors you will need for your dog's fur on canvas paper. Different types of paper or surfaces can result in slight shade variations, so it's essential to understand how your desired colors will appear on the canvas material you're using. This step ensures that you achieve the correct fur color and don't end up with unexpected shade variations.

By following these steps for sketching and toning your canvas, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful dog portrait.

Frequently asked questions