Dogs and Puppies

INCORPORATING BACKGROUNDS

To add interest to your composition, try working elements of the canine’s environment into the drawing. You’ll want these extra elements to enhance the focal point (the dog)—not overwhelm it. To keep the environmental elements in check, avoid giving them too much visual contrast. Render them with middle values, reserving the lightest lights and darkest darks for the main subject. Here, incorporating the grass and flowers adds a variety of textures and patterns that effectively contrast the Shih Tzu puppy’s soft coat.

Framing the Face The center of interest in a pet portrait is almost always the face, so it’s a good idea ...