Welcome! In this course, you will learn how to create the long, complex hair patterns of this dog in watercolor.

• We'll touch on how to create the golden tans in the face.
• Learn how to break down the complex hair colors and patterns into manageable shapes
• Apply these techniques and formulas to your own paintings!
• Note: The eye is not included in this course. If you would like to learn to paint the eye, let Rebecca know in the comments!

Throughout this course, I encourage you to make decisions based on what you would like to achieve. Use as much or as little of the lessons and drawing as you need to create your vision. If you lose focus, take a break. You will return with fresh eyes!

Creating a detailed and realistic painting like this does take time, but when you enjoy the process it's inspiring and a lot of fun. Allow yourself the freedom to experiment and learn from your experiences, because that's how we grow.

Overview of the Process

When creating complex patterns and colors, it is helpful to break the subject down into smaller areas, focusing on one section at a time.

If you aren't sure what to do, follow this process:

1. Reinforce the darkest parts, then the mid tones, then the lightest values.
2. Apply fur, textures to your preference.
3. Refine color with thin layers of grays, browns, tans.
4. Soften fur/textures with color or plain water/damp brush.
5. Allow to dry, take a step back, repeat the process as many times as needed.

Here is what you will see in each lesson:

Lesson 1: Create a pale gray map of what will be darker grays, browns, and blacks. This map will provide a guide as we navigate through these shapes and colors.

Lesson 2: Layer colors to create the beginnings of that "golden tan" in the face. Begin to create color, values, and fur in one shape of the hair.

Lesson 3: Layer by layer, build the brownish-black area to the left of the eye.

Lesson 4: Create beginnings of brownish-black in the upper left, along edge of the ear.

Lesson 5: Establish shapes that are overlapping the ear and give attention to gray fur in upper left. Yes, it's messy, but it will come together!

Lesson 6: Upper head: Refine color and fur as well as dark, mid tone, and light values.

Lesson 7: Refine shapes in lower area of hair.

Lesson 8: Refine another shape.

Lesson 9: Focus on the final shapes.

Lesson 10: How to make final refinements to your painting

I hope you will find this course helpful in creating your own portrait of this or a similar subject!

We would love to see your finished painting and hear how it went!

• Take a photo and share in the Community and our Facebook Group, Realistic Animals in Watercolor.
• In addition, upload your painting to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - all of your favorite places with the hashtag #rebeccarhodesart. By sharing, you are inspiring others to get started!

I hope you enjoy this course. Always feel free to email me, Rebecca Rhodes ([email protected]) with questions, comments, and suggestions.