plate no. 6677

Dog and Groom

Alex Colville, 1991

oilContemporary Realismgenre paintingdogfigureinteriorfireplacefloorgrooming

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in realistic rendering, particularly in depicting fur texture and subtle gradations of color. It also provides practice in creating a balanced composition with a clear focal point.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 15 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes: dog, figure, fireplace, and floor.
step 02
Block in the main colors for each area: dog's fur, figure's clothing, brick, wall, and floor.
step 03
Begin refining the dog's fur, using short, directional strokes to create texture.
step 04
Develop the details of the figure, paying attention to the subtle shading on the face and hands.
step 05
Add details to the fireplace and floor, including the brick pattern and wood grain.
step 06
Refine the lighting and shadows throughout the painting to create depth and dimension.
step 07
Add the final details, such as the dog's collar and tag, and the grooming brush.
step 08
Review and adjust the overall composition and color balance.

color palette

primary · tan · brown · gray · red

secondary · white · black · dark blue · dark green

Achieve the dog's fur color by mixing tan, brown, and white, with touches of black for shadows. The gray wall is a mix of white and black, with a hint of blue or brown to adjust the tone.

techniques