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Start Art 8 14 www.painters-online.co.uk How to draw your dog Having practised your drawing techniques, Anja Dahl shows you how to create a portrait of your favourite pet that has charm and character W hen creating a good portrait drawing, it is particularly important to portray individual charisma. Every animal has a certain effect, especially on its owner.When you have had a dog for years, you know its personality, but it is not so easy to capture this in a picture.The right technique and an eye for what is important are crucial. First of all, you should view your dog quite objectively and only then include your own personal impression. If, before you start drawing, you separate out the typical features of the breed of dog, you can later dedicate yourself completely to the characteristic features of your pet. Eyes, ears and muzzle Most dogs have dark, expressive eyes. The expression of the eyes is also determined by the way the head is held. For so-called ‘puppy-dog eyes’, the head is hung and tilted to the side with the eyes large and round.The ears also contribute to the dog’s expression. Watchful dogs prick up their ears, whereas, if they are tired and relaxed, their ears flop down.There are very many different shapes of ears, which is why you should pay particular attention to them. Dogs’ muzzles, however, do not generally differ quite so much from breed to breed – they are merely different in terms of size or taper to be flatter or more pointed – although there are some exceptions. Body construction and proportions Different breeds of dogs differ visually in terms of their size, build, type of fur and the shape of their head, ears and tail.These differences are especially clear in the profile view.A Border Terrier, for example, is small and dainty and has a relatively short back, whereas a Labrador has a stockier and more solid appearance.An Irish Setter on the other hand, has a long, sleek body. Even the fur differs from breed to breed.The fur of a Border Terrier is rather short and bristly; a Labrador’s is very short and smooth, whereas an Irish Setter’s hair is longer, thicker and more lustrous.The shape of the tail is obviously different between these three example breeds too. It is therefore important to capture these features when sketching. It is best to draw some quick sketches first to work on these breed characteristics, before starting with the actual drawing. You can read a dog’s mood really well from its eyes and ears.