How to Paint a Black Dog in Watercolor

In this tutorial, I’ll demonstrate how to paint a realistic black dog in watercolor.

This little mongrel begs to be painted, and by mixing 3 or 4 colors you can create all kinds of different browns and blacks and tans, and even whites. Use thin applications of paint, allowing time to dry completely. I’ve learned that, since watercolor is transparent, building color with thin layers creates beautiful depth and richness.

If you would like to see the full step by step video tutorial, I invite you to visit my Online School!

Here’s the Process:

Under Painting, Eyes and Nose

Create the under painting – the lightest value that can be seen underneath the fur, followed by the eyes and nose. I like to create the eyes and nose early to give life to the painting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under Painting: Darker Values

Reinforce the darker values of the under painting, still looking at the color underneath the fur. Use thin applications of color, allowing drying time in between.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ears

Establish the the shape of the muzzle– the area around the nose –using a watery grey. I’ll complete the ears early in the painting to serve as a guide in choosing the values of the browns and blacks that will be used in the face.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dark and Mid Tone Values

Apply the darkest blacks in the face, using the ears as a guide, followed by the mid-tones – the values that aren’t the darkest or lightest. During the process, establish the beginnings of fur markings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fur Markings

Create fur markings everywhere using black, grey, and sometimes brown. When dry, deepen the dark and mid tone values, working around the lightest parts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glaze and Final Details

Fur markings have been applied and the dark, light, and mid tone values have been established.  Everything appears a bit unbalanced, and will be remedied with thin glazes of color over the fur. In addition, final touches will be added to the nose and the eyes and the neck will be further deepened and refined.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a taster video from my Youtube channel.

 

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! I would love to hear your feedback and questions in the comments below!

Thanks for visiting!

 

 

 

 

 

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