Weimaraner puppy in pastels

And another dog portrait on velour...having fun here! ;o) This time it's a cute Weimaraner puppy (reference photo - again - by Juliane Meyer). Here's the work in progress:

Dream horse

Another 'experiment' on black velour: a grey PRE stallion. As the black actually shines through, I feel it adds a 'dreamy' touch to this portrait. I don't think I'd use black velour paper again but still enjoyed drawing this horse. Reference photo by Juliane Meyer.

Basset Hound on velour paper finished!

I've come to a conclusion regarding velour paper.... YES! I LIKE IT! :o) The bright/rich pastel colours come out so well and the texture of the paper adds to the realistic/3-d effect. I will definitely use velour paper again...in fact, I can hardly wait to have another go! :o)

Cat painting and dog portrait

Here are the two photos I promised of the sleepy cat portrait and the charcoal painting of the Briard.

First pastel portrait on velour paper

I have finally managed to start my very first pet portrait on velour paper. I know a lot of pastel artists who love this support so I couldn't wait to try it. I have chosen a lovely reference photo of a Basset hound (copyright by photographer Juliane Meyer).

I am not quite sure yet whether I like velour or not; I like to blend and mix my pastels which is impossible on velour plus it is not forgiving at all - so smudges or even mistakes cannot be erased. It feels like drawing on textile/fabric which I suppose it is so it feels...well, weird I guess! It is very soft - a bit like fur. *lol* Some artists have said that it does not really hold the pastel well and if you shake the paper it'll all come off again. This does not seem to be the case (so far) but I have been using pastel pencils rather than sticks so this might change. I've still got an 'open mind' so don't dislike it or anything but I shall be able to tell you more once the portrait is finished. Here's a scan of the work in progress:

Just a note

Just to say that I'll be posting photos of my two latest portraits sometime tomorrow or Wednesday. So keep checking back!