I've completed a new pencil sketch. It will serve as a study for mapping out elements in my portrait of  Treasa, a female Irish Wolfhound.

"Treasa"
Study in graphite; 16" x 20"

To successfully depict Tosca, a female Himalayan cat, I've used an underpainting that will serve as a value study. --continued

"Tosca"
Pet portrait on canvas; 18" x 24"
Underpainting with raw umber oil paint
and titanium white oil paint for some highlights.

This study will help me determine which dark and light values to use in the final painting and will set the overall mood of the pet portrait.

Tosca is one of the unfortunate pets that was exposed to tainted cat food. So, many different photos were required as reference material. Tosca wasn't feeling well and had trouble opening her eyes. Needless to say, such a situation creates challenges.

Before starting work on the underpainting, I completed a small value study and color study. The next step involved sketching in the colors chosen for this portrait. The colors will be adjusted as needed before the final painting process begins. The finished
pet portrait will be available for viewing on Bossik.com within the next few weeks.