WOLF - Pastel Painting Work in Progress

A few weeks ago, I fancied painting another piece of wildlife art and I decided to paint this wolf. I thought you might like to see some work in progress pictures.

This is portrait is painted with soft pastels on Clairefontaine Pastelmat. The size is 11" x14"

DAY 1
I start with a line drawing which gives and outline of the shape and the shadows of the animal. Without accurate tones and shading, the painting would not look real. I thought too, it would be nice for you to see the reference photo I used for this painting.

I always start at the top and work from the left to the right and then downwards. This ensures that I do not have to rest my hand on areas that have already been painted which could dull the painting or even smudge it.

I start with an underpainting which is a block of colour on top of which I paint the detail. Here you can see the ear on the right of the picture has no detail painted yet.

Wolf Pastel Painting Day 1

DAY 2

Here you can see that I have made quite a lot of progress. They eyes are painted and a large area of fur painted. You can see quite clearly the rusty brown underpainting on the nose and between the eyes.

The eyes, they say, are the windows to the sole. They are the most important part of the portrait and a lot of time is spent painting them. Even though they look to be one colour, they are in fact painted in layers too. This is important to be able to achieve accurate shading of the eye and the correct colour of the iris.

Wolf Pastel Painting Day 2

DAY 3

A lot more completed today. I have had a few days break from work and have been able to sit in the garden, enjoying the sunshine to paint. It took some time to achieve the correct shapes of the shadows on the wolf's face, as some of the line detail had disappeared when I came to paint it. I am please with this though. 

Wolf Pastel Painting Day 3

FINISHED PAINTING
The final stage of this painting is one of the most difficult areas to paint, the fur under the chin and down on to the chest.

The fur here is very thick and layered. Necessary to keep this beautiful animal warm in long harsh winters.

Wolf Original Pastel Painting
Size 11"x14" on Clairefontaine Pastelmat
This painting is FOR SALE
Signed Fine Art Prints Available

If you are interested in commissioning a portrait like this either of your pet or a wild animal, or if you would like to purchase this painting or signed Fine Art Prints, please contact me.