Shetland Sheepdog Portrait in Pastel

Title: "Mickey"

Medium: pastel

Support: archival suede board

Size: 12" x 9"

COMMISSION

read more about this dog portrait on my website: www.colettetheriault.com

Dog Portrait in Pastel- Step 7

I haven't posted in a while...things were quite hectic here at home and I haven't had time to work on Mickey's portrait in the past week and a half.

I did manage to start working on the paws and rest of the body and should start the intricate carpet work next.

Step 6- dog in pastel

I am really enjoying adding the long fur of this sheltie. For those who are curious, I am using a combination of soft, round pastel sticks as well as pastel pencils and a touch of verithin colored pencils for the finer detail. I especially love the extra soft white stick (Rembrandt) for the brightest white one could possibly achieve on the suede.

Step 5-Sheltie portrait in progress

Now that I have picked out all of the correct colors of pastel pencils to render the fur, I make sure to keep them separate from the rest! There is nothing more frustrating than accidentally mixing your usable colors and then trying to figure out again which ones worked for your painting. I sometimes also write down the number and brand just in case they do get mixed up. With over 500 pastel pencils at my disposal, it quickly becomes apparent why one should make a habit of it.

Step 4-Shetland Sheepdog Portrait

In this sitting I continue to draw the dog's face, working my way outwards. I'll probably have to draw the ears next in order to avoid dirtying the rest of the portrait.

Update on Sheltie portrait

Slowly but surely, this sweet little dog is "coming to life" on paper. The most difficult aspect of this painting will be to depict the coat's colors and markings. There's lots more work left to be done but this is my last update for today. Have a good evening!

Dog commission on the easel

Here is the next dog portrait I am currently working on. I am using a light beige suede board as a support for the pastel.

Reference image of dog portrait


Step one- line drawing of dog


Step 2- addition of background

Next I'll be starting the fun part of adding the facial features of the dog!

White German Shepherd Portrait in Pastel

Portrait of "Dena"

Medium: pastel

Support: archival suede

Size: 8" x 10"

COMMISSION

read more about this dog portrait here:

www.colettetheriault.com

Step 4-White Shepherd

I completed the ears at this sitting but might go back and darken the shadows slightly. Also on this image, you can see a base layer has been applied to the upped neck and nape area. More to come soon!

Step 3 White Shepherd Portrait

During today's sitting, i was able to complete the dog's muzzle and mouth. I will now progress to the top of the dog's head and ears before continuing to the throat and neck area.

Step 2-White German Shepherd

Well folks, this is the last update as I shut the lights and lay down my pastels for today. Before heading to bed, I managed to add the nose and eye and even started adding the facial fur. In the next step, I will finish the mouth and muzzle before I most likely move on to the ears and top of the head.

Step 1-White Shepherd Portrait

In this sitting I laid down the blurred out background, being careful not to dirty the space where the white shepherd's head occupies. The mottling effect seen on the tan area of the dog's head is the subtle pattern found on the suede board itself.