I am trying to paint a portrait of a "black" labrador for a friend and while there are no true blacks in the fur each time I try to portray depth, texture and shine the basic colour of the fur is lost and turns to a blue grey. I am working in acrylics and this is my first experience of painting "black" fur please can anyone help for I have just begun my third attempt and am near to putting my brushes in the shredder, thanks.

Hello Elaine,

I am not able to see your subject (photo) or painting. I have used Acrylic for many years now as my main medium. You need to work in layers from the background or the dogs skin level and build up to the detailed hairs on its surface but it does depend on what you are trying to achieve in your style of painting too.
If i could see your work and the photo I will be able to advise you better with your query. I could view your work and photograph through email and maybe help from there?
Best regards Paul.Beattie

P.S Take a look at my website for an insight into my work and let me know if I can help you. Just google my name.

Hi Elaine,
Although I am not very experienced in acrylics, I have painted many labs, black in particular, because I love them and own one. I usually use pastels or watercolour, but if you would like to have a chat about painting black lab fur in general, I would be happy to share ideas. Above all, never despair! you will get there in the end.
gilliannadin@btinternet.com

Hi Elaine

Know how you feel, I'm struggling with a browny/black shaggy pony at the moment.

Rosemary

Hello Paul, Gill , Rosemary and thanks for responding.The dog was camera phobic so photos are bad. I'm not happy with the way it's turned out again but at this point lack the time or skill to be able to show you the painting-(sharp learning curve coming up!)I've never struggled on fur detail B4- 1st time for everything I guess. I have tried to work up from the dark base, using a warm black mix of 3 primaries lightened a touch with cerulean to try to suggest the shine on the short fur. Painting wet onto wet and blending the ends of each hair to make it look soft but I keep loosing the darks and so the depth goes too. Thanks for the suggestions tho- will follow them up as soon as time permits (just trying to get my house on the market and jumping thru the HipS Hoop!!!)- now THERE's a subject for a forum!!!!Later Guys-

Hello to all you fur painters. Sorry for the late reply but I've not long been registered on SAA as a pro artist and I've just picked up this issue. Fur is tricky however I use/have developed a technique using an airbrush that can create quite good fur effects. Have a look at my site www.airartbycarl.co.uk and ave a look at the pet portrait page. I'm also demonstrating at the Wildlife Art Society International annual exhibition at Nature in Art Glouchester on 5th June. The Exhibition and demo is free to enter so pop along and say hello and if I'm able I can give you a few pointers. I'm also working on some instructional guides for creating fur, hair and water effects etc...so if you are interested let me know.
Cheers
Carl