Black Lab Study

Well, this time it is a Black Lab. The challenge is the short black coat, as opposed to the the light wavy one of the golden retriever. And the other challenge I set was to do it in sections, as it often recommended. Usually I build up the entire piece as one with the idea I can keep values in line with each other. I also started it as a 12 x 16 to try a larger piece as well. Mistake! way to many challenges. So I've started over, this time it is 8 x 10 on smooth bristol.


Progress for this weekend. Been trying to identify those really dark darks and put them in. I think I'm still a little tentative. Sheesh, this has turned into a tough project for me! Good stretch tho.


My hand needs a break! Ok, there are levels of dark I wasn't aware of. I think this is getting closer. I'm finding as I go darker in one area, it makes it clear the need to do so in another place. So I've sorta given up on the one section at a time approach and am just working on value across the drawing.

Have to get off to work now... rats! I would love to keep working today. One of those days it just feels good to keep at it. Oh well, gotta pay the bills, so off I go.


I think I need to let it sit a while. Working around the glare has been a bit of a challenge now. I think I read somewhere here about using a mat fix to cut the glare. I think I'll give that a shot this afternoon and see if it help.

So, my crit... hmmm.. trying to keep the contract between highlights, midtones and darks has been tough. Keep finding the highlights too light as I pushed the darks. But overall it has been a great exercise!