How to Paint ... Dog Portraits!

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

Three Quick Tips on How to Paint Dog Portraits

Johanne Mangi, "Georgie," 2012, oil on linen board, 6 x 6 in.

When Johanne Mangi, one of the world's top painters of dogs, spent the day at our studios, she recorded a detailed video on how to paint dog portraits, step by step. Drawing and painting dogs can be enjoyable — we love our dogs so much — but there's a market for commission work as well. Once you master the art of painting dog portraits, consider the possibilities. To start, take a master class, such as studying Johanne's "The Fine Art of Painting Dog Portraits" (available here). Until then, check out these quick tips to get you started.

Johanne Mangi, "Windblown Charlie," 2017, oil, 18 x 14 in.

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3 Quick Tips on How to Paint Dog Portraits

I hear it all the time: "I don't know where to start!"
"How do I paint fur?"
"Why do my animal paintings not look right?"

If you think these statements were made by new, inexperienced artists, think again. These were actual statements by experienced, accomplished painters. There's just something about fur that confuses even the most confident artist.

Johanne Mangi, "Penny," 2017, oil, 10 x 8 in.

I will give you a few quick tips that will set you in the right direction when it comes to learning how to paint dog portraits:

1. Under all that fur lies a roadmap. A skeletal structure. You just have to look for it.

2. IT'S JUST PAINT! That's right. Easy on, easy off. If that first stroke didn't work, get rid of it and do it again!

3. BIG BRUSHES! People love their teeny, tiny brushes. Trust me, you won't get the effect you're looking for. Only a big brush will do.

I guarantee if you follow these simple steps you will immediately improve. Good luck! ~Johanne Mangi

Additional Dog Portraits by Johanne Mangi:

Flat-coated Retriever

Penny

Street Singer

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Artist Spotlight: Cynthia Rosen

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Me with 'Poetry in Bloom' from the Wayne Plein Air Festival, oil, 24 x 36 in., 2021

How do I find inspiration?

Cynthia Rosen: Whether I paint plein air or in my studio inspiration never is difficult to find. My energy may lag, but my brain reminds me that once I pick up the tools, the magnetic pull of the painting process takes over.

Inspiration itself comes from a variety of sources. I can see or find something that is inspiring because it is so beautiful and I want to wallow in my admiration of it, perhaps just capturing an iota of its magic. Or I may see something I want to better understand, whether my recreation works as a final product, painting provides a chance to engage and explore the subject. I know in the meantime that the challenge will help me grow as a painter. Additionally, there are times when I want to hold onto a sight or memory. Once again, painting allows that to happen. Someday I would like to deal with issues that may be more meaningful to society; but I have not yet gotten there. A challenge such as that will surely be inspiring.