Paint Your Own Realistic Animal:

You can use the image in the PDF I provide of the Boston Terrier, already sized and ready for you to print, or you can go on Pixabay.com and find your own image to transfer and paint! Or take your own photograph of your own pet using the tips I give for a bright, clear image.
Cut out a 5" x 7" piece of 140 lb Watercolor Paper.
Transfer the image to your paper using a Light Box or a Window.
Tape down your paper to a board so it doesn’t buckle or move around.
Paint a light watery mix in the lightest tones and the darkest tones, and leave white paper for the highlights.
Paint over the darker tones to create mid-tones and add more details.
Paint over the darkest tones, adding more dark tones, drying out the layers in between until its as dark as you want it to be and add even more details.
Finalize image, go over the tones and make sure it matches up with your reference photo, deepening the darkest tones for contrast.
Carefully peel off your tape and sign the bottom.
Photograph in natural outdoor lighting on a neutral background and upload to your work to the class’s Project Gallery!

I can't wait to see what you guys make!

Oli Rivarola

--