We are delighted to share the work of Dawn Howard, who has been studying on the Pet Portraits Diploma Course with tutor Heather Joliffe. Dawn has completed a beautiful series of studies featuring two German Shepherds, working across different media including coloured pencil, watercolour, and acrylics.
In her coloured pencil sketch of the black German Shepherd, Dawn explored ways of building depth and sheen in the dog’s coat by layering purples, blues, and indigo tones. She reflected on the challenge of capturing such a dark coat while still maintaining shape, texture, and expression – and we think she has done so wonderfully, especially in the eyes, which bring real life to the portrait.
She also produced a watercolour and watercolour pencil study of the younger dog, experimenting with creating her own background and developing her skills in glazing and layering. Finally, Dawn brought the pair of dogs together in a vibrant acrylic painting on canvas. She carefully planned the composition, starting with sketches and mock-ups, before developing the background and gradually building up the layers of fur and colour to capture the two dogs in their woodland setting. The result is a warm, lively portrait full of character and atmosphere.
Dawn shared with Heather how she put thought into each stage of her process – from adjusting reference photos and planning compositions, to experimenting with colour mixes and texture. Her dedication shines through in these wonderful paintings. Congratulations, Dawn, on your fantastic work and the progress you have made throughout the course.
If you are inspired by Dawn’s paintings and would like to learn how to create lifelike portraits of animals, why not take a look at our Pet Portraits Diploma Course. The course guides you step by step through drawing and painting pets, helping you build the skills and confidence to capture the unique personality of every subject.
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