Hi!

I've recently been asked to draw a few things for co-workers. One in particular is a portrait of someone's recently deceased dog. I said yes, but am only now realizing just how advanced this type of drawing is.

I really want this to turn out well, but I'm afraid I lack the experience to make it happen.

I need some honest feedback. I'll attach my WIP. If you have any helpful hints, please share. And I am not opposed to starting over.

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I think you've got a really good start on this. What type of drawings are you most used to doing? Knowing what paper, leads or other tools you're using for this portrait would give us a better idea of how to guide you.

great start. What I do is - try not to overwhelm yourself with the 'big picture'. So many times I'll tell myself- "this doesn't look like him/ her." then I push that to the side and focus on one shape and draw it as close as I can. Just draw one little shape. - ie its not really a dog. It's a collection of little shapes. If I didnt do that one thing I would never have made it through my first drawing.

have faith in yourself- it looks really close to the original.

Okay, I'm using…

#2 Mechanical Pencil
2B, 4B, and 6B graphite pencils
I'm not sure what type of paper. I'll get back to you on that.

Honestly, I am more comfortable drawing cartoons. I only do things like this when someone asks. I've always wanted to learn, but have never taken the time.

Jeff, thank you for the advice. I'm wondering how long a drawing like this should usually take. Also, the fur seems so stiff and doesn't blend well at all. Should I be trying a different technique?

Thanks again for your help!

Do you have a kneaded eraser? Those are great for adding highlights and creating depth. With fur I do a lot of "negative" drawing which is more or less drawing the space between the hairs. I can't explain it very well, but this is an excellent tutorial on drawing fur that may help. http://www.sibleyfineart.com/tutorial--draw-hair.htm

I do have a kneaded eraser, though I have quite mastered using it effectively. I actually read through that same negative drawing tutorial yesterday. Mike Sibley is great.

I'm going to try the negative drawing technique and redo some of the fur. I'm not 100% how to apply it just yet, but anything will look better than this.

Thanks!

There's absolutely nothing wrong with what you've got so far. For only having done cartoons, you've got a good grasp on it. Experience comes with practice and to paraphrase Jeff, when drawing from a photo just concentrate on drawing what you see, not what you think it should look like. I hope you'll continue to post your progress on this.

"Just draw one little shape"

Thank you.

Will do, thanks to all of you!

Finally finished the dog. Probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but the recipient was very pleased.

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