My first portrait.

I decided I would try and draw this dog last night just to see if I could do it. It took me about 9 and a half hours to do and I staid up until 6am doing it. That is one of my problems when drawing. I can't stop until its finished. I am happy with the outcome but I know I still have some things I need to work on. I can't seem to get the hair right. In the reference photo it looks so soft and real and mine just looks rough. I also had a lot of trouble with the mouth area and I couldn't figure out how to get the whiskers in. This was my first time using a grid, and I found it very helpful. Thank you for looking and any advice I could gladly appreciate.

-Caitlin

not bad.
as a sugestion, i'd say take your time.
looks like maybe some of the shadeing/blending might have been rushed. animal hair can be extreamly chalengeing and its a damn good go for a first try.

shawna

I agree with Shawna, take you time and you will see a great improvement, but for you 1st effort...fantastic job.

Thank you for the compliments and advice.
I know I need to slow down and take my time with things.
I just get so caught up in it and before I know it, hours and hours have passed.

darker shades would help.keep it up.

I would go lighter on the grid lines. I always wonder why people draw grid lines where theyre not required

Thanks everyone for your advice.

looks great and sorry bout the late reply just lookin at the stuff i missedd when i was gone

zac u slacker!
see what u get for takein time off..

a new name and a couple hundred missed posts

read/post faster! lol

Really good for a fiftieth attempt never mind a first, the likeness is excellent. The outline stage looks bang on, and the only criticism I'd have is that the fur looks a little rushed and bland. After all the detail has been done it looks like you got a bit fed up.
Try to stay focused and patient, take your time and have breaks from the drawing to reinvigorate yourself.

Out of interest what book are you working from cause I'm sure I've seen that drawing before?

It does look good but I think the best information I ever got about drawing was layers. Layer, smooth, erase, repeat. it helps give you a solid base that you can build on. Using a kneaded eraser in the direction the hair goes and then adding more pencil. That's it in a nutshell really. It will take some time but is very rewarding. If you'd like me to elaborate further I can. Looks really good though for a first.