Here’s the entire step formula in creating complex fur patterns in watercolor, using Tyler, this Aussiedoodle as a model, specifically, the lower part of his right ear. I hope these short lessons will be useful to you in your own paintings!
Items for Download:
Materials List Aussiedoodle Ear
Create the Drawing – Think Shapes!
Prepare the Colors
The Formula, Part 1: Create a Map of the Dark and Light Values
The Formula, Part 2: Reinforce the Darkest Parts
THE FORMULA, PART 3: MID TONES
This step is in preparation for fur/hair markings to come. Think of it as the under painting – the groundwork – getting all of the color, the contour, and the values underneath the fur in place before creating textures.
THE FORMULA, PARTS 4 and 5: Fur Markings and Glaze
This is where things come together. In step 4, fur markings, or hair markings will be applied to each shape. Finally, in step 5, a glaze is applied to the entire area. A glaze is a layer of thin color placed over previous colors and have already dried. It will slightly smooth the textures and unify everything.
I’m often amazed by the transformation following the glaze. What had appeared disjointed and unnatural becomes unified and makes sense.
I encourage you to practice this mini lesson. Do it over and over, as many times as needed. Every time you do it you will learn from mistakes and reinforce your skills, building muscle memory.
And now, I’d love to hear what you think. Please tell me in the comments section.
- How can you apply this 5-step formula to your own paintings?
- Do you have a question about anything in the lessons?
And if you found the tutorial useful, I would love it you would share it with your friends.
Thanks so much for visiting.
I would just love to thank you for your wonderful way of teaching. I have learned so much from you. I share with everyone on Facebook. You are an amazing artist and teacher. I just want to thank you again for sharing your wonderful talent. Hugs, Kimbearlys
I would love to know how to paint fur and I am interested in joining your monthly subscription but don’t know the English amount and how to pay you. I don’t even know how to watch the tutorials, any help would be helpful. Thank you Linda
Hi Linda, here’s some information to help (I will also email you with this info.):
The monthly subscription is $20. per month.
Here’s the link to join the monthly subscription: https://rebeccarhodes.teachable.com/p/how-to-paint-realistic-pet-portraits-animals-watercolors
After you join, you can watch all of the tutorials for the length of your subscription.
I hope this helps!
Great information – thanks for providing this. It’s exactly what I was looking for!