Paint realistic fur

1 Start by putting in the main facial features. Using Dark Sepia and Van Dyck Brown, add outlines for the eyes, nose and mouth (define the pupils and nostrils as well) and once you’re happy, add a sec

1 First, use Burnt Umber to define the eyes. Outline the edges and the pupil and then go over them with Dark Sepia to darken. Add a base layer of Ivory to the iris, making small circular (scumbling) m

1 Start by using a sharp Dark Sepia pencil to outline the edges of the nose and define the nostrils and the middle of the nose. In most cases, the nostrils are upside-down teardrop shapes. Use light p

1 Before you put any colour down, use the embossing tool to indent the paper. Make sure to use a firm pressure so that you indent the paper enough. Light pressure will not indent deeply enough, and th

Does painting different colours of fur need separate techniques? With any fur, you need to observe closely and identify its many colours and tones to make your painting accurate. A white dog is never

The following demonstration puts an emphasis on practising several acrylic techniques. Enjoy working through these exercises in your sketchbook before you begin the demonstration painting in earnest.