Painting Dog Portraits in Acrylics

An animal portrait artist offers basic advice for beginners—along with advanced techniques for the more experienced—who wish to capture the spirit of dogs.

Beginning with detailed guidance on composition, colour and choosing your reference material, Dave White teaches you the essential painting techniques you’ll need to start creating your own artworks. He begins with producing an outline and underpainting to capturing the three-dimensional qualities of your pet that will make your paintings truly stand out, such as realistic hair and whiskers, getting the shine on a nose and a glint in an eye, and whether to show ears up or down or the tongues in or out. To follow, the author then offers three step-by-step projects of varying subjects—including a short-haired dog, a long-haired dog and a group portrait—which have been specially designed to encourage you to tackle the essential poses you’ll need to start painting your own pooches. The book ends with a short section providing practical advice on setting up and running your own pet portrait business.

“This is a thorough and thoughtful guide that delivers on every count.” —Artbookreview.net