plate no. 6118

Portrait of a Greyhound and Spaniel

oilBaroqueanimal paintingdogsanimalsportraitlandscapefoliage

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in rendering animal anatomy and creating subtle tonal variations to depict form. It also offers practice in creating a sense of depth through atmospheric perspective.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the dogs and background.
step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of burnt umber.
step 03
Block in the main colors of the dogs, paying attention to the light and shadow.
step 04
Refine the details of the greyhound, focusing on its anatomy and musculature.
step 05
Add details to the spaniel, including its fur texture and collar.
step 06
Develop the background, creating a sense of depth with muted colors and soft edges.
step 07
Add highlights and shadows to enhance the form of the dogs.
step 08
Glaze with thin layers of color to unify the painting and add depth.

color palette

primary · titanium white · yellow ochre · burnt umber · ivory black

secondary · raw sienna · payne's gray · cadmium yellow light

Mix various shades of white and yellow ochre with small amounts of burnt umber and black to create the different tones of the greyhound's coat. Use burnt umber and black for the spaniel's dark fur, and mix greens and browns for the background foliage.

techniques