Fine Art Trade Guild Member
Website last updated:
18 May 2008
Cavalier King Charles Tutorial - Step 1
The first step is to get a sketch down on paper - this is the foundation on which the portrait is built, so it must be accurate. The grid method is a good way of achieving accurate proportions - Firstly, you draw or place a grid over your reference photograph, then lightly draw a similar grid onto your good paper scaling up in size as necessary. You then reproduce the contents of each square of your photo onto the paper. When finished, you should have an accurate, scaled reproduction line drawing of your photograph. You can now begin to apply colour. A coloured pencil painting is made up of many layers, lightly applied. I start by applying a base layer of colour which maps out the form and contours of the subject. Above, Ivory Black and Burnt Sienna are lightly applied to give the dog's coat a foundation from which to apply further layers. Notice that the direction of the fur must always been observed and highlights are left white.
