Work in progress - yellow Labrador in pastels

Ooooooooooooh I guess I haven't posted in a while! Doesn't mean I've been lazy though. My latest commission is of a handsome Labrador who's swimming in the sea, playing with his favourite tennis ball. This is the WIP (just a bad photo taken with my mobile but you'll get an idea). :)

Jack Russell Terrier - dog pastel portrait

This is what I'm currently drawing: a Jack Russell Terrier puppy - pastels on velour paper. The little dog called 'Chica' is all white so it'll be a bit of a challenge! Watch this space.

Springer Spaniel dog portrait

This is one of the Springer Spaniel portraits I have been commissioned to draw. It is a Christmas present but the client said it's ok to post it on the net so here it is:

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:

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: