This work in progress is for a commission of a Springer cross Labrador dog, called Monty

A 12 x 16 box canvas is used, and this portrait is in oil colour.

 Initial sketch was completed in brown's and the subsequent sessions were painted in a mixture of blue and dark brown, to achieve the dark tone.

For the very dark areas I am using a Payne Grey.

Black is such a dead colour and can flatten the portrait so I prefer to mix up a colour to add warmth as well as depth

I started this first by changing the image in photo-shop to enable me to see contrast.

My next step was to sketch the image in sepia tones

Adding a mixture of dark blue and dark brown, adds the depth to the painting without making the fur look to drab

Having now reached the colour which makes

the fur appear almost black, I leave it for the oil to

dry before the next stage

Time to block in the background.

Also to lighten the fur in places to add highlights to define Monty's features

This shows the painting nearly finished, I have enjoyed doing this commission very much.

Its time now to have a rest from it and look in a few days time then make the final adjustments.

Also to make that final decision, when to stop.