"Harry": A Golden Retriever Pet Portrait in the Making!

This portrait of "Harry" is one of my favorite portraits to date.  I love everything about Golden Retrievers - they have all the love, loyalty and patience you could possible want in a dog, and then some! 

Harry was a beautiful model to work from. He has that perfect Golden coat - a luminescent gold with hints of sienna and those radiant blonde highlights. That's what made his portrait so much fun to do! 

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I filled in the background first, then started with the lightest tones in Harry's coat. 

Then began adding some darker tones.  Love those Burnt Sienna colors!

Filled in the remaining shadow areas...

My FAVORITE part: the eyes!  They are so integral to the spirit of the portrait - they tell always tell you what your pet is thinking - and sometimes what you're feeling!

I start with the fine details, working outwards from the eyes.

Filled in all the dark textures...

Then continued with dozens of yellow, orange, and red tones to bring out that luminous coat!

Adding BILLIONS of hair strokes to make Harry look, well, hairy!

Almost done! Just some finishing touches...

And Voi-La! A beautiful Golden Retriever dog portrait!  Harry is just spectacular!