The Process of Painting Chaka

 Welcome to my blog where I break down the process I use in the medium of watercolour, specifically as it relates to dog portraits. First things first, meet Chaka!

TINY CHAKA WITH A BIG PERSONALITY

Karen, Chaka's mom, provided me with several photos and we decided on this one as the reference photo--Chaka showing 'attitude'.

I am using 140 lb. cold press Arches watercolour paper and the finished size is 6" x 8". After preparing a sketch, I use transfer paper to apply it to the watercolour paper.

Sketch has been applied to the paper

The first major challenge is deciding on a palette--which colour pigments will best match Chaka. 

Colour Palette with Warm and Cool Hues

Paintings done in watercolour are multi-layered and I always start extra light to see if my colours will work, to emphasize highlights and to build up to shadow. This is also when I tweak the sketched details like eyes and nose.

As I go through this early stage, background is the next challenge. What type of background? or do I even add a background? I prefer to stay close to the photo, at least colour-wise. In this case, I want to portray a sense of Chaka's blanket but will likely keep background to a minimum. Of course, this can change during the process as often a painting will take on a life of its own or the patron may have a special preference.

I consider the eyes the most important feature of a painting. It is important to capture as best I can the personality and spirit of the subject and I find this is reflected best in the eyes.

In the photo above, the eyes required much more attention and I was not happy with the nose at all, which means I will need to use my eradicator brush and try to 'remodel' the nose.

Working in watercolour is a roller coaster ride. One minute I am happy and the next I want to scream. I have completed enough paintings now though to know that I require patience and confidence in myself.  In the end, they have always worked out. So, onward...

Okay, so at this point I am liking my work better and Chaka is starting to take form. I am getting to know that nose intimately, however, and there is still a ways to go.

After what seemed too long a sojourn dealing with 'life matters' I was able to return to my studio and pick up where I left off with Chaka's portrait. To be honest, I had doubts about getting back the vibe, but my muse once again appeared and I happily continued with brush in hand. 

It is always difficult to know when a painting is completed but when I find myself fussing too much it is time to stand back. After returning with fresh eyes. I have done one more wash of yellow ochre and finalized the specular reflection in the eyes.  

So, this is the next day! After studying the 'final' work I decided Chaka needed a background after all as I wasn't happy with it the way it was. Back to work and I feel upon the final inspection that it does definitely look better with the background. Now I can finally say I have finished painting Chaka. I hope the painting speaks to Karen. I appreciate your trust in my abilities and have thoroughly enjoyed bringing Chaka to life on paper.

(I would like to interject here and say that during Covid, I painted intensely and could complete a piece in two weeks. It seems in this post-Covid era however, life keeps getting in the way and weeks have quite literally turned into months! Thank you, Karen, for your understanding and patience.)

~C