This page features the progress of paintings I'm working on.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/866aaf_02dae227f3564008841f399706920481.jpg/v1/fill/w_377,h_311,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/866aaf_02dae227f3564008841f399706920481.jpg)
This is mounted 400 grit Uart paper. The size is 24" x 20"
I start with a loose drawing of my subject. It came from two separate photos provided by the pets owner.
I choose to work direct, applying the colors and values I see with very little under painting.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/866aaf_47910c3a8fdf4058b2a611c1ff4ec4dd.jpg/v1/fill/w_377,h_326,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/866aaf_47910c3a8fdf4058b2a611c1ff4ec4dd.jpg)
Day 2: I wanted to firm up the top background and get to the best part for me, the sweet face of my subject.
I have many ways of working the image. I can start from top to bottom, left to right or putting in colors and like values throughout the painting as I go. This image is mostly from top to bottom.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/866aaf_4daa7282b4f348c08d37eb7c61920332.jpg/v1/fill/w_384,h_303,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/866aaf_4daa7282b4f348c08d37eb7c61920332.jpg)
Day 3: Spent time defining the face. I wanted to give it more dimension.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/866aaf_726c45cb9d134518bed9e86f65939d9b.jpg/v1/fill/w_377,h_308,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/866aaf_726c45cb9d134518bed9e86f65939d9b.jpg)
Day 4: I had a long time to paint this day. Worked on finishing top background and building the body of the dog. I have been adding greens to the dogs coat connecting him to the surrounding environment. While I'm not working on this painting I have others I switch to. By doing that I keep my eyes fresh for seeing errors and things I want to change.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/866aaf_d5a186f99d08408fb53afbabe444639f~mv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_377,h_283,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/866aaf_d5a186f99d08408fb53afbabe444639f~mv2_d_3264_2448_s_4_2.jpg)
Day 5: Finished off the Background and the last of the dog. This is what a proof would look like when it is sent via email. This is when the painting is approved or small changes can be made.