plate no. 4316

Dog with Sausages

oil, panelRealismgenre paintingdogsausagesanimal portraitcollardark background

some experience helpful

This painting offers practice in depicting form using value and temperature changes, as well as creating a focal point through selective detail and contrast. Students will also learn to create a sense of depth using a limited palette.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 12 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the dog, collar, and sausages, paying attention to proportions.
step 02
Establish the dark background with a thin wash of dark brown or black.
step 03
Block in the main areas of light and shadow on the dog using a mid-tone brown.
step 04
Refine the shapes and values of the dog, gradually adding highlights and shadows.
step 05
Paint the collar, paying attention to the highlights on the studs.
step 06
Add the sausages, focusing on their cylindrical form and highlights.
step 07
Refine the details, such as the dog's eye and the texture of the fur.
step 08
Add final highlights and shadows to create a sense of depth and realism.

color palette

primary · burnt umber · raw sienna · ivory black

secondary · cadmium red · yellow ochre

Mix various shades of brown by combining burnt umber, raw sienna, and ivory black. Add small amounts of cadmium red or yellow ochre to warm up the browns for highlights.

techniques