Learn how to paint watercolor pet portraits with confidence alongside award-winning artist Deb Watson. Start class with tips for choosing a reference photo, selecting a composition and creating value sketches to establish your furry friend’s form. Next, you’ll easily transfer the main shapes of your pet portrait with graphite paper. Prep your palette as Deb helps you select harmonious colors, mix all the variations you need and apply your first beautiful wash. Then, create contour lines to define any dog’s fur, and use directional strokes to mimic any cat’s coat. Bring your work to life as Deb guides you through painting realistic pet eyes, noses, ears and more. Plus, find out how different backgrounds can add instant dimension to your work.
Class Sessions
Creating a Strong Composition
27:03
Want to capture your pet's personality with watercolors? Artist Deb Watson is going to show you how! Start off by picking the best picture and then decide your composition. Deb demonstrates creating value sketches that will bring form to those furry friends.
Transferring Images & Creating Your Palette
30:22
Learn to transfer your pet's image with graphite paper -- a quick and easy way to start your painting. Then dive into colors by choosing your palette. Deb recommends using a limited number of colors for a smart, coordinated scheme and shows how to mix them to get all the variety you'll need.
Applying the First Wash
22:15
Break out the paint brushes, it's time to apply the first wash! Deb shows how to lay down a first layer of color on your painting that will help create depth and luminosity and unite the portrait. Deb also demonstrates how to fix color blooms with a fan brush for flawless painting.
Realistic Features
28:03
Bring your pet's portrait to life and capture its personality by learning to paint realistic features. Deb delves into how to layer and lift eyes for both cats and dogs, create unique textures (such as a dog's bumpy nose) and depict different ear forms.
Different Kinds of Dog Fur
21:30
No two dogs are exactly alike -- especially when you're talking about their coats. Deb shows you ways to approach painting for all fur types and defining fur with contour lines. She also shows off a few painting tricks that help suggest texture without getting bogged down in the details.
Cat Fur: Details & Distance
18:45
Now that you've got dog fur down, move on to a cat's coat! Learn how to paint with short, directional strokes that mimic a cat's fur and make your colors pop. Then Deb shows you how to take some artistic license with tails and whiskers and finishes with ways to convey fur from a distance.
Background & Finishing Details
19:52
Wrap up the class by learning about background varieties that will make your pet practically leap out of your portrait. Then Deb shows how to use masking fluid to create fur edges -- a great trick when your pet is backlit -- and how to cast shadows to convey depth and realism.
Your Instructor
Deb Watson
After retiring from the nursing profession, Deb Watson is now a full-time artist whose work has won numerous awards and been accepted in juried exhibitions across the United States. Along with painting, Deb loves to help people discover that it's never too late for art to improve their life or for them to improve their art. Deb is the author of Watercolor Basics as well as articles for a variety of books and magazines.
Bonus Material
Pet Portraits in Watercolor - Supply List
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Deb Watson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You may be interested in
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.