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Collie

by Joe Corso
(Toms River, NJ, USA)

Collie

Collie

I am preparing dog paintings for this years annual "Dog Walk for Cancer" held by Community Medical Center, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs, and Kindred Souls Canine Training Center.

I have four dog paintings, a black Labrador, Beagle, American Eskimo Dog, and Collie.

I have run into a problem, as I now work in water colors. I am right with three of the paintings but dogs with long hair, the Collie I did today, I need some help. I did it in five layers as usual, and then used a fan brush to try and make the hair strokes.

I put this up for comment and suggestions.

**Note from Kerry:

Hi Joe, it's lovely to hear from you again. I'm afraid I don't have anything constructive to give to you because I have no experience with water colors. I hope some kind person can give you some tips.

Comments for
Collie

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Sep 18, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		WOW
by: Anonymous

This dog is really beautiful! Collies are my favorite dogs, so when I saw this I couldn't resist looking. You are an amazing drawer.
Jun 24, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Watercolor technique
by: Anonymous

Since, I started doing the dogs and couple other animals, had to practice a lot, that by doing the water colors in five wash layers made most of the animals look real with a couple of layers of darker strokes for detail. This seems to work for short hair animals It worked for my other dogs, a deer and tiger painting. I find myself liking this so much now, it may be difficult to go back to landscapes. If I like aqua oils, may use that for landscapes and water colors for animals and still life. Art is fun!!!
Jun 24, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Kerry

Sandra, I'm impressed with your advice for Joe. Thank you for taking the time to give him your valuable tips on water colors.
Jun 23, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Well done
by: Bella

Hi Joe,Well done with your collie. I've been trying to draw a dog and have now decided that I will try again at a later stage. I'm finding it too difficult. I'd rather do portraits. I admire you for not giving up and for asking for advice.
Jun 22, 2008
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starstarstarstarstar 		Suggestion
by: Sandra Busby

Hi.

I have been experimenting with water colours for a while now. They are best used in a spontaneous loose way, and I can see why this has caused you problems. If it was me I would probably use bright highlights and deep tones to sugest the long glossy coat. Always start with the lightest tones first and wash the darker tones where needed over the top when the lighter tones are dry - never the other way round. If you realy do want to try indicating individual hairs, it is best to only do this here and there rather than all over as otherwise, too much detail can actualy make a picture seem pretty flat. Remember that you are an artist and not a photographer! A 'Hake' brush is good for this. The under paint should be absolutely bone dry before brushing the suggestion of fur strands over the top, otherwise it will just create a blur. Good luck with this, and I hope you raise lots of money for your charity.

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