Start with the Eyes…
As mentioned previously, it is important when doing pet art, to work light on dark. In fact, this goes for any other type of art, be it dog portraits or landscapes, birdlife or wildlife pictures. Starting with the eyes, I moved outwards from there, concentrating on the light and shade of the hair whilst blending in the background. The eyes are central to dog portraits and it is therefore vital that they show the life and character of that animal.
