Got something fun to share today!! ^_^ A few months ago, my sister-in-law Amy asked if I would be able to do a portrait of her corgi Jasper. I agreed and over the past few weeks, was able to make some time to get it done. Here's how the final turned out.
Since this portrait didn't just spring fully formed from my hand (which I wish would happen ever...T_T), here are some of the less glamorous steps in the process.
As usual, I start with exploration sketches that always look terrible to me because I haven't learned the shapes and proportions yet.
By this point, I felt I had a reasonable grasp on how to draw a corgi (and have it actually look like a corgi!). A seated pose seemed like the best option and I drew it a few times to make sure I had the details worked out.
I also did a few studies of Jasper's coloration and coat markings. Getting the eyebrows to not look evil/angry was tough.
After that, I started the final drawing. Fortunately, this one came together in one try; sometimes I have to redo the final drawing several times before it's right. Then, with much fear, trepidation, and praying, I moved to the inking stage. The inking stage kicks up the pressure, because if you mess up the drawing, you have to start over. But I love the quality ink brings to a drawing, so I put up with the pressure. :-P (Also, I forgot to take a picture of the inked drawing. Sorry about that.)
And thankfully, the inking turned out well, so I moved to the watercolor stage. Watercolor adds yet another level of pressure/trepidation/praying, but again, I really love the end results.
The hardest part of coloring this particular portrait was getting the eyebrows right and getting the right level of shading. Shading adds so much dimension to a piece, but can also ruin it, which is very intimidating. (Hmm, I'm seeing a trend in all my artistic choices...) For this portrait, I kept things simple and I think it paid off.
I'm really pleased with how Jasper's portrait turned out and Amy was very happy with it, too! ^_^
onward and upward,
Bethany
