How to draw a pet portrait - Beginner step by step

[@ViKee010]

Our little pup girl was Abby. The main reason I was drawn to this was the color of your pups hair. Abby was blond with brown eyes and pink brown nose. She was a stray that survived the streets her first 4 months then someone we knew, caught her. I worked finding homes for lost pups at the time and she was mine to place. But when I went to take pictures of her, she came home with me. She didn’t do well with other dogs, as she had learn to fight for everything by the time we got her, but she loved people. We lost her due to a brain mass which started causing horrible seizures, on March 20, 2023. She was 13. Gosh, she was beautiful and precious to us. But this dog’s colors reminded me a little of her. I may just have to try this for her. I’d imagine you give many people a piece of their beloved pups they can cherish the rest of their lives. That’s an honorable thing to do. Thanks for sharing with us. ✌🏻🤍.

[@sylvianblue]

As someone who has lost confidence since covid and not done a pastel portrait since then, this has given me some excitement to start again. I miss it so much but talk myself out of starting each time. 🙏

[@artbykcappadona5166]

Don’t think just start small. From anywhere at any point. Before you know it you will move forward.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

My goodness, I completely understand you. That's so sad to hear, but I hope you find a little spark that allows you to begin something you love. It's all about removing pressure, expectations and rules. Finding our little inner artistic child means we can learn to enjoy art freely and play with it again. I struggle with oil painting in the same way you describe, you're not alone there!

[@the5thbeatle351]

One of the best instructional videos I've ever watched. Amazing!! Thank you!!

[@anitajonsson4379]

❤How magnificent they are! I did not realize that a pet portrait could be so exquisite!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much!

[@julioalarcon7092]

A great lesson very easy to understand.Thank you!

[@BarbieLockett-lk2lh]

Thank You for teaching us this fur pet portrait. When you start drawing fast, I jump!! Because I am constraining on you teachings!! WoW..Love n Hugs Barbie

[@Epcphotos1]

It’s amazing when the drawing looks best that the photo ❤ beautiful !

[@maxineglass2402]

I love your informative videos! You do such beautiful art work!

[@a.par2921]

Muchas gracias por compartir como realizas tu arte en tiempo real !!!

[@Lindascrafts]

Absolutely stunning ❤

[@anitahoward8506]

Best color pencil tutorial I've seen. Thank-you for sharing, great job!

[@margieevans5276]

Emily you're so talented thank you so much for your time and brilliant tutorial 👏❤

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much 😊

[@tamiwolnik8896]

that was a great tutorial, i really enjoyed watching you create this. Thank you!

[@tiffanyshiels]

Wow thanks so much. I really appreciate this lesson.

[@Minbari209]

I am so happy to have found your channel. I have been off drawing for some time and you have just inspired me to try again. I love your way of teaching, so encouraging and calming. Subscribing right away. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.

[@MsUrbanlover]

I stumbled across this video and it relighted my art journey! I have not done many pet portraits due to the stress and anxiety it gives me to people please.. but I do love to draw and sell my prints. I like your approach. I don’t work well if it’s too structured. I work all over the place on my pieces.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

I think it's so important to remember there is no 'right' or 'wrong', it's just whatever works for you. If your method works, that's all that matters!

[@Naturedrawn]

I was taught with Faber Castell colored pencils but I’m intrigued with the pastel pencils, especially with the fur.

[@TheMarkEH]

This wasn't just a tutorial, it was a masterclass for beginners. Your drawing was fabulous! (and it looked a bit like my wire-haired Vizsla called Bramble).

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Your comment has honestly made my day, thank you so much! You should give it a go with a picture of Bramble :) I'm actually giving away a free pet portrait in a few weeks. If you upload a YT short of your own pet portrait drawing using the hashtag #KZbinShortsPets by the 24th then you might just win one ;)

[@MelodyLovesMusic]

This is absolutely beautiful and you explain it so well.. Thank you!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@beatorres2019]

Never tried pastels. But after watching this great tutorial, I'm inspired to try. Beautiful, Emily!

[@caronboler4048]

Seven minutes in and I am already amazed

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much!

[@lyndawright8716]

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS & BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH!! Emily, you have now convinced me to try out Pastels lol. Thank you for this wonderful Video. Luv it!!

[@bdcorgimom]

This is lovely - portraits of dogs are my favorite!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@debbiebeckmann4460]

INCREDIBLE!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@Draw_together]

Very beautiful!

[@SuperKabookie]

Very nice results! You are a great teacher!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@juliehilton1701]

I’m inspired straight to Amazon for some of these materials thank you ❤❤

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

It's a slippery road Julie ;) enjoy your new supplies!

[@johnmccarthy3885]

This is exactly what hat I’ve been looking for, I’m learning to use pastels, your tutorials are fantastic 👏👏👏

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@juliaclapton1141]

Wow just wow. That little doggie looks so life like. I want to stroke him. His fur looks so tactile. Explained beautifully. You sure have a amazing and rare talent. I'm in awe. Thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Wow, thank you!

[@teresasawicka5861]

Thank you for getting back to me I look forward to seeing it have a great new year 🌈🐨🌻

[@stevencowdell5201]

Well done Emily. Really enjoyed.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@TNT-km2eg]

Way to go , Leonardo . Breeds as much competition as possible

[@barbarasanseverino6164]

What a fantastic tutorial! Thank you!!

[@abbeytrethowan7479]

thank you! its hard to find videos like this.😃😊

[@scottdees3376]

Thank you for the inspirational video!

[@pauloalvesdealmeida2989]

belo desenho realista feita por uma maravilhosa artista 5 estrelas ❤❤❤❤🖐🖐🖐

[@endless_summer_rose]

This was actually great and well taught. Reminded me of my beloved dog❤

[@margaretadams9225]

I’m new to art.. mostly sketching and water colour. I gave away some pastels.. as that medium didn’t appeal to me. I had not realised there was such a thing as pastel pencils! Your tutorials has inspired me to buy some and attempt.. a pet portrait.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Go for it!

[@wenzbee197]

Thank you Emily, just starting to learn this medium and appreciate everything about your channel.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

You're so welcome!

[@danielchayra401]

Very Beautiful Work Thank You

[@faheemmaqbool6575]

Fantastic art love it thanks👍🏼

[@jozeanefonsecazanella7492]

Amei! ❤ Ficou perfeito, parabéns .

[@catherinejwayman6721]

Awesome thank you. I paint with acrylics and do pet portraits but would love to do pencil drawings as well. I had no idea how to start thank you so much!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks!

[@southstandlufcss5]

Wow, just wow

[@janettepolt2815]

Excellent presentation. thanks for explaining what you're doing. you do i quite well. Thanks and God bless.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

I appreciate that!

[@lescaillouxbleus]

Thank you very much, it is the best video on this subject I ever seen. And I learn more english with you ! (I am french)

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much! Great way to help learn another language too 🇫🇷

[@Joselo-m2b]

Thanks for this tutorial kind lady😊😊😊😊😊

[@debbiemartin2026]

Wow this is incredible I remember that gum eraser from art school 1975. I even remember the smell.

[@lahaza6515]

Good grief the talent.

[@galinavolz3325]

Браво. Шикарный урок

[@saralang9677]

Expertly taught and demonstrated. Wonderful result, too. I look forward to more. Thanks so much. It would have good if you could have explained how to create the initial outline, so you know where to place the eye, etc. I think I would have found the proportions difficult.

[@roycrowell5910]

Thank you so much, I’m going to try something very similar with two very hairy puppies your talent is so amazing 🤩

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Good luck and enjoy!

[@chichi996]

Gracias excelente video

[@Vaterunser904]

Beautiful painting thanks

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Jarofpencils]

I learned so much. Thank you for sharing this video. It was awesome. I signed up on your website. I hope to see you in class soon.

[@hilarybailey9768]

Really well explained process, I will give it a try 🤞

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much!

[@tiny2lip]

Really appreciate this. ❤️🐕💙

[@Valentino016]

I love pet portraits. Your drawing was stunning and you were so easy to follow . I think mine came out good as well.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Totally amazing Emily! You do beautiful work!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@jeffdeluca1153]

@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 when using pastels, do you need to use a fixative of some sort to prevent smearing?

[@sandyphillips2467]

I have watched this video a few times and. Just would like to say again thank you so much l have learnt so much next year I’m going to subscribe

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much Sandy!

[@mizzprettyhuston]

Super awesome talent! Thank you for sharing it with us. Happy holidays! 😊

[@franciscafrechina820]

Excelente trabajo felicidades esta precioso ❤😊

[@MayaDrawingArt]

Great work👏🏽

[@bampidraws]

This amount of work would have taken me weeks not under one hour LOL. You're awesome and have subbed.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you! I have to say, they used to take an age, but practice and better art theory knowledge sped me up!

[@wendyleader8905]

Absolutely beautiful thank you for sharing this

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@WolfmanWoody]

Thank you. I did a few pastel works of one of my old dogs, but wasn't really satisfied. I see now where I could have improved them. He was a spinger spaniel.

[@dianabaker5726]

What an inspirational tutorial. My niece sent me this as I love to paint dogs, but fur gives me pains. :D One question though. How do you finish off the piece to keep it from smudging or fading by being touched? Thanks so much!

[@faithmariesavill]

I watched this and another of your tutorials yesterday, you are quite awesome so talented !! I learnt so much,,being a newbie at pastels,I realised my underpainting lacked depth so the contrast between light and dark fur was hard to achieve.Thank you for taking the time and sharing so many invaluable tips.Wishing you a Happy New Year.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful!

[@saroeuncheam835]

I didn't know any resources at the time in teenage years and my drawings was not great so I quit. The class laugh and I quit. I'm glad I found the" beginner drawing: learn to draw"

[@quitecolorist8274]

Hello Emely, can you do a tutorial how to transfer from the original photo illustration to the master mat paper? Thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, I have a video for that on my channel 😊 it’s the outline of the kingfisher 👩‍🎨

[@quitecolorist8274]

Thank you, Emely

[@judycozon4081]

This is a wonderful video….🎉thank you!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks Judy!

[@jilld8787]

Excellent tutorial! 😎🎉🥰

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@mishthi3656]

it is a best tutorial❤

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

So kind!

[@beverlydevriesburrows3097]

New to you. Thank you for the inspiration. I hope to see more of your instructions!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks so much!

[@mizzprettyhuston]

😂 I found myself trying to blow the pencil dust away......it's been a long day! Lol

[@rebeccarogers8958]

haha, I do that too, on every pastel tutorial I watch 😄

[@dr.ayeshahunter3944]

Me too. Then I thought, “What the heck am I doing?”

[@mizzprettyhuston]

@@dr.ayeshahunter3944 🤣 I'm glad I'm not the only one ❤️

[@mizzprettyhuston]

@@dr.ayeshahunter3944 I subscribed to your channel btw, I like what you're doing there 😊 I'm thinking of going to school to become an addiction counselor.

[@carolgreen5586]

And me lol

[@egglyvonsmeggly5065]

Excellent tutorial ! Thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@hollieridges220]

Genuinely loved this tutorial. I am an amateur pet portrait artist and have really struggled with soft pastels and fur. This really helped. Thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

That’s great Hollie! Best of luck with your work, dedication honestly pays off 😊

[@karieroper3130]

Loved watching you work. I am wanting to learn doing pet portraits and this helped. But I would love to see you draw a black dog. I have 3 black and tan dogs I want to do portraits on. Black fur is a little harder for me than lighter. Will be watching your videos. Thanks.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thanks Karie! Yes, black fur can be hard (be grateful they aren't white!). I'll be cracking our new content next year :)

[@lindahydrick99]

Thank you so very much for this tutorial. You are awesome at directions. You have a wonderful God given gift and sharing it is so kind of you. I love how you give the color names of the pencils too. I’ve been wanting to draw my sweet schnauzer for several years. She is mainly gray but I don’t have a clue what color pencils to purchase. Do you mind telling me which ones would be best please? She’s light gray with some silver and of course some dark here and there. I will definitely be following you. Thank you again. Linda

[@malougommans-gk5ih]

I really loved this video. The new course about pet portraits that will appear in 2024, is it already online?

[@valeriedootson9325]

Fab tutorial.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you so much!

[@pattiharris3433]

I found you by searching for acrylic pet portraits. I am amazed at your talent and how well you explain. Thank you. Questions: How do you seal to protect ? Do you ever paint portraits in acrylic? I’m already invested in acrylics. Thank you so much.

[@sandyphillips2467]

Just brilliant thank you

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Thank you!

[@teresasawicka5861]

Thank you. Is they’re any other paper you can use. as pastel mat is very expensive I have the pencil and pan pastel. love them I all so do pencil thanks again Form Australia stay well and and safe🦘🐨💐

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi! I'm going to do a full review early next year to suggest some more affordable options :)

[@dansadler2319]

Beautiful work new sub love the channel thank you for sharing this Daniel army strong

[@mwartz]

You're artwork is amazing, I've started doing pet portraits in pastels, do you add backgrounds?

[@gordonstrong5232]

I found this tutorial really useful, thank you, I've subscribed 👍

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Awesome, thank you!

[@veraberyl]

Hello Emily. Loved the tutorial, do you have a preference between pastelmat paper and pastelmat card? If so would you explain why please.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Great question! I used to prefer the card because I felt that the tooth was slightly thicker on that, or at least the surface didn't give way as much so it was a bit firmer to work on and I got better details. That said, I personally think Pastelmat has gone downhill this past year and the quality isn't what it used to be. I just buy the paper now, as I can't find much difference anymore and think it's very expensive for the quality, compared to what they used to make...I have just got my paws on some Canson velvet cake paper and it feels a lot better to me BUT I haven't used it...yet!

[@emisode]

wow!!!!

[@susanwilliams3321]

Hi Emily! I have followed several of your lessons to date and have found them extremely useful as I try to come to grips with pastel pencils. However, I am experiencing a problem that is marring the finished work. I do not seem to be able to 'lose' the tooth of the paper in some areas. Is it simply that I am not applying enough pastel, not blending it sufficiently, or what? I would welcome your advice.

[@JCmercy4me]

Hello Emily I really enjoyed watching this teaching. I have one question, how do you fix the flaw in the paper? There is a line that goes from the top of the eye to the bottom of the eye. You don’t see it in the eye just above and below it. I know that is the paper. But it causes you eye to go to it. Thanks Nina

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Nina, yes this paper was damaged, it was left over from a workshop. For any commissions or exhibition work, I'd avoid paper that's been marked altogether. However, you can push the pastel into these crevices with a Q-tip :)

[@simonlawton9355]

I wanted to see you draw the outline too Emily x

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Simon, this was a leftover outline from an in person class so it’s just a trace. You can see how to do transfers in the link below the video though 😊

[@juliawhite9977]

Lovely tutorial! Where can I find the line drawing please?

[@susanwilliams3321]

Thank you for your brilliant tutorials! I am learning so much from you. I am finding one major problem that I don't seem to be able to overcome. When I try to add the light colours they either do not show up or they take on too much of the underneath and get muddy. The pencil also picks up the colour below and I have to clean it between strokes. What am I doing wrong?

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Susan, this si a bit of an involved answer I'm afraid as it depends on multiple variables. Firstly, make sure you're using Pastelmat/Canson Mi-Tentes Velvet Paper/Velour paper, any other paper will create muddy marks and smudging. The next most likely thing is your layers are too think and the underpainting mixes straight into he weaker pencils if this is the case. Another option is your pencil is a bit too blunt and you need to work on your fur technique to become very swift and fluid. It can be caused by many things, but with good conscious practice, you will solve this issue! I'm going to be releasing some free PDF workbooks on drawing fur to my email subscribers soon, so sign up if you'd like to get those too :)

[@susanwilliams3321]

@@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820 Thank you so much! I am using Pastelmat so I think your second suggestion is most likely. However, I am finding that the tooth of the paper shows a lot when I apply my base layers lightly and don't blend them well. I have noticed that you rarely seem to blend but the tooth still doesn't show!

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

@@susanwilliams3321 It's all in the practice :) You may also want to experiment with soft brands like Stabilo and hard ones like Faber Castell and Cretacolor to see which you like the best! Set aside some paper as scrap (maybe a failed drawing) and create swatches of different thicknesses with fur over the top. Experimenting will get you there!

[@janetcrompton2109]

How do you get the drawing from the picture onto the paper

[@fionaGardner-f9s]

Hello Emily , I've really enjoyed your tutorial as i'm new pastels and from a farming background and interested in doing some collies but doing the fur am a bit unsure , will you be doing any collies tutorials .

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi, thanks so much for watching 😊 I have one collie drawing on my channel already 😊 for proper classes, I’m actually building up a pet portrait master class, but it will be a paid thing and released in 2024. I’ll keep posting free content, though, and have to say that art theory basics of tone, colour and texture will allow you to draw any breed of dog - after some practice, of course!

[@roycrowell5910]

Can you use regular sandpaper and if so what grit would you use, I was thinking 2000 or 3000, what would you use?

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Hi Roy, I know other pastel artists have done this but I haven't so can't advise you here. I would say that it's not a product for artists so be aware that it might well discolor your artwork over time.

[@johnlewis5663]

Terrific tutorial, I love my pastel pencils, I use the sams FC pitt pencils. The biggest problem I have is layering light over dark I can never get it right, don't know what I'm doing wrong, so frustrating.

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

Most likely, the dark layer is too thick. I work is fairly light layers to avoid that issue :)

[@rosiearmstrong4692]

How do you get such a sharp point on your pencil with out it breaking when sharpening .????

[@emilyrosewildlifeart-paste9820]

haha oh years of practice! I have a tutorial for it on my channel. The key is a really sharp blade and think of pushing the blade along the length of the pencil and not into it. If your pencil is broken inside, then it's gonna just snap off anyway though!

[@anndrewferns]

First class tutoring.👌🏾have you done a German shepherd?