How to Paint a Curly Haired Poodle in Watercolor

This study of a poodle in watercolor has just been revealed in the Online School!

Creating curly hair in watercolor can be overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be intimidating, and you can do this! This course demonstrates how to create the curly black fur of this poodle in watercolor, using a process that really works!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use these strategies to tackle and master complex patterns. Here’s a summary of the process. Continue reading for a FREE practice tutorial!

Focus on Shapes, then Divide and Conquer!

If you look at the entire subject, it’s easy to become overwhelmed – there are so many patterns, different values and shapes. The solution is to break the subject into manageable pieces. Focus on one small area at a time – where you feel confident, where you can clearly see what to do. Within that area, find shapes that you will be able to recognize, that will serve as a guide.

Here’s the Formula I Use:

After deciding where to begin, I use this 5-step formula. In each new part, I followed this same plan of action.

Step 1: Create a map of the dark and light values.

Divide the area into dark and light shapes, creating a map to follow. At this point, keep it simple – simply focus on dark and light values. 

Step 2: Reinforce what will be the darkest parts

You are still creating a map to follow. When the darkest shapes are in place, it will help you to keep your place, providing more signposts to follow. 

Step 3: Mid Tones – In between dark and light values

Mid tones are used to create a smooth transition between dark and light values. This step is in preparation for fur markings to come – think of it as the under painting – the groundwork before fur markings are applied. This step marks the beginning of contour, shape, and shadow as dark, light, and mid tone values are established.

Step 4: Fur Markings

At this point, things may appear unbalanced and sloppy. Persevere! It will come together when you apply fur/hair markings to each shape.

Step 5: The Glaze

A glaze is a layer of thin color placed over areas that contain color and have dried.

The purpose of the glaze is three-fold:

• Slightly smooth textures
• Go just a bit darker in value (if you don’t want to go darker, a glaze of water is used)
• Unify everything

I’m often amazed by the transformation following the glaze. What had appeared disjointed and unnatural immediately becomes unified and makes sense.

That’s it. That’s the formula, and I use it for each area of the subject.

Here’s a Summary of the Process, as I focus on one area at a time:

I like to create the eyes and nose first.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Begin in an area where you feel confident, where you can clearly see shapes to use as a guide, using the formula to create dark, light, and mid tones values, shape and contour, and hair markings. I held off on step 5 (the Glaze) until more was completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When that area is finished, move to a new place, using shapes as a guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I applied a glaze (Step 5 of the formula) before moving to the next area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Move into the upper head and ear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then to the middle ear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, the lower ear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final touches, and this painting is finished!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit the Online School to see the course, or click this link: https://rebeccarhodes.teachable.com/p/how-to-creat...

The course is available with the Monthly Subscription, Annual Membership, or can be purchased as an Individual Course.

Added bonus:

A FREE practice tutorial is included at the beginning of the course – a smaller chunk of the entire painting, based on lesson 10 in the course. So if you feel like you aren’t quite ready to tackle the entire painting, you can start with this smaller lesson.

What do you think? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments, and thanks for sharing!