Oil painting: How to paint dogs step by step - 10 TIPS

In this video I give my top ten tips for painting dogs that I think will quickly improve your dog painting game. I discuss topics like working dark to light, painting fur, and finding color. Even though I am talking about painting dogs, all of these tips could be used for painting any furry friend. Enjoy!
Patreon - / paintcoach
Materials I suggest for beginners:
Carbon Paper - amzn.to/2G5KFtf
Proportional divider amzn.to/36Unaz6
Linseed Oil Medium - amzn.to/2o1HgGq
Oil Paint I recommend for beginners: amzn.to/2XHOCvL
Titanium White, Cadmium Red Hue, Cadmium Lemon, French Ultramarine, Yellow Ochre, Cerulean blue
My easel - amzn.to/2tEvhRq
Canvas Pad - amzn.to/35fMFsW
Best Brushes Ever! www.rosemaryandco.com
Lighting
Ring Light - amzn.to/2QX44S9
light above easel - amzn.to/35w3QXz
Camera - amzn.to/2FMd7QU
Hi, I am the son of two artists and began painting in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia before I could walk. I was a rare combination of artist and athlete so I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to play football for USC. I left the team my sophomore year to focus on painting and filmmaking, applying the same focus and discipline from my football career to my art. I primarily work in oils, and spend most free days painting "en plein air" in my new home of Sarasota Florida.

[@alexk7809]

My dog passed away late March. My mother's birthday is coming up right after Mother's day, and I'm working hard to paint her a picture of our dog. Thank you! This helped tons!

[@Finedeserthouses]

Alex, I’m so sorry for your loss. My dog just got killed by a Pitbull 3 days ago and I’m devastated. I needed something to help me heal and that led me here. I do feel you and your mom’s pain. I know our dogs have crossed the rainbow and happy now. Just wanted to give you and your mom a big hug.

[@Jennifr1966]

@@Finedeserthouses I just wanted to send my condolences. It's tough enough to lose our most faithful household member, but when it happens tragically, you have so many added emotions. I won't say it will get easier, but it will get less difficult. We lost both our dogs to a terrible tragedy (though not to another dog), and it has been hard. That's why I'm on here learning how to paint! I'm hoping to find an outlet to honor them and other people's beloved pets.

[@dh.48630]

i’m so sorry for you loss. i hope your mom liked the painting!🤍

[@dh.48630]

Kana Tamblyn they’re in doggy heaven now and they’re playing together up there! i’m so sorry for your loss. rip🤍

[@Finedeserthouses]

Jennifer W Jennifer...I’m so sorry I now just found your message. Thank you very much for your kind words. I’m also very sorry to learn your loss. I’m feeling much better. I did finish one painting of my dog (just his face but the one with a big smile 😊) and it did help me a lot. I’m sending you hugs and prayers for your fur babies 💕💕♥️🙏

[@readpostcard]

Just learning to paint with oil. Now that we are stuck inside, I thought this would be the perfect time to learn. Thank you. I'll be waiting for the long haired dog paint.*Waves from cold Edmonton Alberta Canada

[@paintcoach]

You can do it!

[@tocandofondoconclaudia]

This paint is so perfect! I love dogs! I have 2! You said painting dogs are hard but you motivate me to paint my golden as my second oil painting ever lol. I am doing my first one, a beach, and I did so many mistakes because I saw couple of randoms videos. But since I found you you make me believe I can get be a good one some day. You explain so well and your filmmaking process is so relaxing and organized. Thank you so much for your hard work! I really appreciate it! I dare to say Best painting tutorial channel in KZbin 👏👏👏

[@despoinavavoula2203]

I LIKE THE WAY YOU HOLD THE BRUSH.. YOU ARE GENIUS.. EXCELLENT PAINTING..

[@paintcoach]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mogalcat3091]

I don't understand how you (and other artists) manage to cover so much of your canvas when you have almost no paint on your palette. I find myself making massive blobs all the time, and constantly running out of paint and having to make new blobs.

[@zebraelephant123]

Yes please answer this !!!!

[@Felix-qm6fo]

@@zebraelephant123 use paint thinner or linseed oil if using oil paint . If using acrylic add more water

[@nadie0595]

Yeah, try gamsol

[@flwrtae462]

it differs from paint brands i think they have pro paints and brushes

[@charleebremer9067]

When I used oil paint for the first time I basically didn’t use any paint at all, or at least it felt like that… so idk for me it was just an acrylic paint thing

[@AdamW-eo2yq]

I love watching painting videos and I do almost none of the paintings tips in most videos but my stuff always comes out looking good. I just do each section and throw paint in until it looks good.

[@christopherschweisthal6818]

Love to see someone doing what they are passionate about

[@cathfox8085]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing your talent. I’m loving painting dogs.

[@RoseteMonik]

#1 CHANNEL! Thank you coach!

[@angelablesi3569]

Fabulous painting and tips! Thank you...

[@Sasha-z9q8p]

It's really nice how you put this one, esp on the whiskers, very clever! I have to try that sometimes. If you're really asking for comments regarding painting short haired vs long haired dogs I really have to say (from a non-trained painter pov) it's much easier to paint long haired ones. I'm still struggling with my short haired pet, (single colored - bet it's part of the reason why..) whilst I could paint my descended long haired shihtsu without same struggles. Guess I was still in love with the old one more!

[@ZOONG12345]

Solid tips, big fan here, thanks Chris,

[@fereshmahta6113]

my dog looks like this! thank you. i am going to paint it. thank you. pets are so cute in the landscape.

[@zepstoys9851]

I seem to be painting a lot of dogs for people. No matter how many I do I get stuck on the nose. A tutorial on dogs noses would be great and if I'm struggling I bet others are too. Thanks for your tutorials - I love to listen while I paint xx

[@jilliancrawford7577]

If I may offer my suggestions based on what I learned: I was taught to paint the feelings rather than duplicate the reference, that if you wanted an exact copy of the reference, that is what photocopies are for. Basically, the details aren't as important as the feelings the viewer gets from the whole piece. To be more technical though, super stiff brushes can help with the bose texture as well as light dabbing with plastic wrap or foil. Things like scratchy kitchen sponges work well for this, though you sprobably wouldn't wanna use an old kitchen sponge if it's dorty lol. The faster you do it and less you think about it, the better or else you might get caught up in focusing on making perfect shapes that might ruin it. These are things you'd wanna practice in studies and work on the muscle memory before a final piece. I hope I am not injecting into this too much, especially since I work with a different type of paint, so feel free to ignore me.

[@desertlanai2670]

This is one of the most useful guides I've seen to painting a dog and particularly, fur. Thanks!

[@paintcoach]

Wow, thanks!

[@desertlanai2670]

@@paintcoach I study with Andrea Kemp. I really like her method of instructing and yours is very similar.

[@RishiKaneria]

Great video. Lots of great tips applicable not only to just pet portraits! I thought the painting turned out great -your strategy of sharpening the focus on the eyes really works to draw you in and brings the whole portrait alive!

[@KimoCraft]

another great video - thanks for sharing your technique!

[@catrionab6295]

Beautiful painting. You really have amazing talent. Just subscribed so looking forward to seeing more of your work 🤩👨‍🎨

[@racheltania4498]

That came out just beautiful. So lifelike.

[@mashietatun767]

That is such a beautiful painting

[@fastbacktina]

Great tips, amazing work! Thanks for sharing. :-)

[@dorrisgonnawreckyou7111]

End result is amazing! very interesting strokes. Love it! And i am not a big fan of animal portraits normally. Cute dog too.

[@rainbowxwolf]

Thanks for the video and information, nice painting :)

[@krisk3484]

Tips were helpful. Would like tips on long or curly haired dogs too!

[@morgancavanaugh6636]

You’re a great teacher!

[@haka666]

fk that, check out will "the machine" its super saiyan god super saiyan level bruh

[@LayCrochet]

Thank you so much for this this is very helpful

[@antiquitesiletaitunboismeu9284]

Wow! Si je sais peindre, c'est grâce à toi! Your the best!

[@Engelhafen]

I’ve always just dipped them in a bucket 😂

[@leina1716]

This is the best comment. Ever.

[@zulfiquarkhan2330]

Funny...huh

[@40bdg]

Great tips! I especially like the whisker tip. Thanks

[@paintcoach]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justinalynn1362]

Gosh you're so talented. My Mom asked me to paint her a picture of her dogs, one passed away. I love painting and am good at it, but pets and people are a struggle when it comes to paint! Drawing is more my forte when it comes to this topic! Ugh!

[@IGFineArt]

Master piece..👏😊🙂👌🖌🖼🧑🏻‍🎨

[@deborahrizzo7526]

I just found your channel! I love your painting style. I enjoy painting animals and I'm always looking to learn from fellow artists! Great tips!

[@paintcoach]

Thanks so much 😊

[@annamay2152]

You are very talented...thank you for the tips🙂

[@elisabethiniguez4748]

I have a friend who’s birthday is coming up. She just lost her best bud and I want to surprise her with a painting. Thank you so much

[@leevlog1730]

Thank you and this just makes me more nervous now to pick my brush and paint my GSD 😂😭😭😭. I was never nervous while watching video but this just raised my BP 😂. Good luck buddy!

[@milosmilojevic7721]

150k my friend! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Doing a good job!!!!!!!!

[@ClarkKent-kg6tl]

great tips . . . thanks

[@lifeonmars9157]

Thanks!

[@chrismarcotte4241]

Thanks for the tips so helpful! I paint in acrylics so paint dries very fast!

[@MetaMessiah]

I love dogs! Great vlog! Always good to learn more from other artists! I tried doing a dog painting vlog but your vlog has given me great ideas on how to shore up my vlogs! I am going to subscribe as I look forward to seeing more!

[@paintcoach]

Thanks! I'm looking around your channel and digging what I see! Sub!

[@MetaMessiah]

@@paintcoach thank you! I did one dog as a commission a while back and another for my mother-in-law. I definitely can learn some things from your vlog!

[@kitrinaasuit5556]

Thank you dear

[@lesleycarter7406]

I have a persian cat and a Himalayan... they both have very long hair and the persian cat has several different colors of hair and I have been trying to paint her and I wondered if you could find a "tortoise shell persian cat" picture and try to paint it... I love your painting style. I watch you all the time while painting.. I think you are a great teacher!! Thank you for all you have taught me so far! :)

[@chriswhitehouse8982]

Good tips!

[@jakethesnake1366]

You're right about saving old brushes for fur. And trees.

[@andreawilson5789]

Thanks

[@milliea4023]

Thank you great advice trying to do a quick painting for my daughter she wants something with her animals in it and I really don't have any experience with that.

[@haka666]

wtf i just noticed the views why is no one watching, i mean like, i only came cuz of his acting but stayed to watch this cuz its talent dude, this should have 1 mil MINIMUM btw im a fan of your work in "will the machine" keep it up : >

[@nonniestretch9056]

So enjoy your dog paintings . I seem to be having problems painting the eyes and nose of dogs any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated. Love watching you paint and your excellent advice on animal paintings. Thanks so much for sharing your skills . Your very good at explaining you painting methods. 👍🤘🏻

[@alecdron1732]

I have a lot of trouble with the hair on dogs like a poodle hair or curls but more wavy curls than curly curls

[@paintcoach]

You got it! Can you comment with a link to a pic of a dog with the hair you are referring to?

[@alecdron1732]

I can send you a dm, idk how to comment that lol

[@alecdron1732]

Nevermind, this might work drive.google.com/file/d/14Xjw6flMj_6nHnLYqWMaVWlgjdTayRk8/view?usp=drivesdk

[@oldtimedaveoap896]

Thanks 🙏 brilliant

[@lisengel2498]

A really like your Allan prima Way of painting a realistic portrait with the Long small brush ,and very distinct brushstrokes - and very good tips. And I love animals and It would be fun to see you paint the popular doodle 🎶🖤🎵

[@atkinsj9]

I would love a long haired dog video!

[@aaravking9729]

Hiii Sir i am beginner and u r good teacher

[@sweetpeamini5553]

I needed more specifics for the brown Golden shade

[@belsnickel9568]

I’m honestly about to make a brush out of my own hair because I’m broke and bored

[@jackelinavilaart3047]

Hi, very talent !! do you use any dryer oil for this painting to be able to add more layers ?

[@shawnabeard3103]

You are amazingly 😮

[@randdsyinyangjourney3762]

Can you do a tutorial of the feet? That’s seems to where I have the most trouble. Thank you

[@hermanklump8983]

I notice you’re using a vertical palette. Did you make it, and do you recommend using one over traditional palette?

[@ariellioness9384]

Im one of those paint every hair people and I dont want to be. It drives me nuts. Someone gave me a low quality cell phone pic pf their cavapoo dog. Curly hair. Cream colored. I havent painted a curly haired dog before. And when i zoom on the photograph I see a lot of pixaly reds and greens. I dont have a choice think but to do it artistically and loose brushed... "Suggest" the fur so to speak. Not only do i not know how to paint curly fur, but I also dont know how to paint loose brushed. This is a new challenge for me. Im very discouraged. Im learning a lot from your videos so thank you. If you'd be willing to do a video on wavy/curly haired dogs, id be so grateful. Blessings!

[@buffy2257]

Woah! You're cute !!!😍

[@mary-aliceclaussen3556]

You’re amazing! If you don’t have an exact photo of the dog, how do you keep everything on perspective? The legs on my painting just don’t look the right size to the dogs head. PLEASE HELP!! I’m going crazy with this ....Mary Alice

[@judithlargent6061]

I am painting a pitbull in oils and his color is a reddish tan but do I add red or just more burnt sienna for the red in the fur

[@ricardobuchner5153]

Hi! I have been painting dogs lately and my worst nightmare is painting brindle fur,very common in dark French bulldogs. How do you handle this type of hair pattern?

[@artbynasrin]

Amazing and very helpful video, are you using oil or acrylic? Please.

[@dalenealsager1576]

I would love your advice! I paint from others photos and every once in a while I get a dog that I can just not see detail in the photo… can you share a kind of “go to” technique? Better yet, can I show you the examples of 2 dogs I have been struggling with forever and get your insight?

[@Artbycarrie]

Could you do a tutorial, how to paint a bird? I’ve only used acrylics and am switching to oils. Thanks.

[@aberystwythdai]

I'm having problems with painting brindle dogs could you possibly educate me on how to get that affect with acrylic paint as your paintings are amazing

[@thekappap]

I'm doing a stencil of my cousin dog a golden doodle and the color I'm sure if I am mixing them correctly.? Yellow Cadmium Naples yellow and burn sienna light or dark . Orange but is it too light or too Dark.?

[@kristinkash2210]

Love your videos. Working a commission now and struggling to create depth The dog painting looks so flat. It’s a white dog with brown ears but the snout looks flat. Tips?

[@theswiftvet7107]

My like changed it to 1.7k!

[@HenryAlisonAshly]

Where I can find the 2 hours full video?

[@myeyesightappearstobeprett3169]

Hi! I love your video's and give me more techniques on painting. But I'm struggling allot on painting the paws of dogs. I don't know what it is, but it looks like a 3 year old has painted it. I have no problem on the face, the body. I paint landscapes right out of my mind. But the paws are getting frustrating and I mess up beautiful portraits because of some kind of doodle paws. And the only video's I find on dogs paws, are paw prints. Which people dip their dogs paw in paint and stamp it on a stencil.

[@iodinekaida2]

Ive just began painting dogs after painting people for a good while, and I gotta say while the transition is a little easier with my experience in portraiture, the impression of hairrrrrrrr has been tricky😅. Also all their little folds and tuffs. Its still a fun exp learning none the less. I'm painting a portrait of all 5 of my dogs. Anddddd maybe I'll paint my cat. I dont know yet. Lol.

[@paintcoach]

I have been meaning to make a video on painting dogs with long fur

[@Artbycarrie]

I used to sweat with anxiety over every little hair. You’ve changed the way I paint. Could you paint a Collie or Australian Shepard? type of dog?

[@thekappap]

How much oil paint to put on the tip of the brush.?

[@Slithereko-fn4dq]

Cute dog. I love you have painted it. Someone want's me to paint them a picture of their dog named Beethoven for them for Thanksgiving this week. And could really help me with doing that.

[@nothankyou-ye4gt]

I have a question. I am an artist but I’m new to a lot of it, so why do people tend to use oil paint more. Like, what’s better about it than acrylic base paint? Edit: also, how do you get your motivation to paint in one sitting? I find it hard…

[@stillnotdoneyet5800]

Does this work with cat portraits too?

[@kanny8742]

Please do one for Tiger too .

[@prod.noreeen]

Wish I could paint like u

[@ljavarone5739]

Omg! I have such a hard time with noses! Not just the nostrils but the whole nose. I have German Shorthaired Pointers. They have a snout!

[@wendydyer1069]

I'm having trouble painting an old english sheepdog, can you paint one so I can see how it's done please

[@claremclaine1233]

What about dogs with long hair and less difference in colour? Like a samoyed?

[@whenXamberXsparks]

Could you do a brief tutorial on tongues? I am close with getting colors right but without fail my eyes and nose always look super realistic and then I have a big cartoonesque tongue ruining the whole thing! Lol

[@rodneyzurek4900]

Could you please do a Shiva Ainu?

[@pawsdelightgroomingkarenro7179]

Is oil painting better than acrylics to paint dogs

[@mariannegjelsten1711]

I been asked to paint theyr dog..phuuu.. heelp.. do you have time to show how to paint a white samojed? I am new in oil. Sorry bad english..i am from norway and a long time since i go to school😅

[@andreawilson5789]

I want to paint a dog on my wall walking I don't know how to start can you help me please please

[@svitkrzic5494]

Can you do greyhound

[@anncoffin9675]

Do you teach any classes? I live in the Sarasota area.

[@svitkrzic5494]

Can you do hrt

[@jaimiegonzalez67]

Can u paint an apricot toy golden doodle with a white stripe down his chin chest area

[@kaandyyy1]

I need help with painting my yorkies. They have long hair, but one has straight hair and the other has wavy hair. I've watched many tutorial but they dont show yorkies fur/hair

[@paintcoach]

I'm working on a video about painting dogs with longer hair

[@joshndungu76]

Hello please do a white fur dog.

[@jerrybryson4649]

I love doing dogs. I just finished one and now have two more to do before Christmas and another two after! I like your suggestion for the whiskers! Basic question…what do you use to draw your dog? I have started using a pastel pencil. Suggestions?

[@pippasmith4240]

Please can you do a video on painting the nose, it confuses me so much!

[@arnavdalal05]

please please please make more how to paint animals video especially ones with long fur

[@paintcoach]

You got it!

[@MarcusDinglasan]

Hi. I hope you can give me your extra paint materials. I really admire Van Gogh and I feel like Im going through the same disconnect to this world that I can only express through art. Sadly the paint is not that affordable. Hoping you have spare base color paints that I can use to paint. I would love to have it this Christmas.

[@megvaldez3216]

What kind of oil pallete is that? Looks cool

[@paintcoach]

It's called a parallel palette

[@megvaldez3216]

@@paintcoach THANK YOU SO MUCH! I think I will probably get myself one! :)

[@jodilynn9514]

I’m painting a bull dog, a very wrinkled dog because his head is turned. AND he’s got a Merle coat 🥺