This is my sweet baby Howard! <3

I'm painting him on 9 different canvases that will all fit into a frame that is 35 inches by 35 inches, hence the grid across him. I like to do a digital mock up prior to painting, especially when I have to change the pose. I had a photo reference on my phone but the pose was a little awkward and his head was tilted more. I worked really fast, just getting the base colours/shadows in so that when I translate it to canvas I have a rough idea of what I'm doing already. I normally don't post my rough work but it came out better than I had hoped.

This dog has been one of the most important parts of my life and I don't know who I'd be without him. He's taught me patience, understanding, leadership, how to find confidence in myself, how to be calm and how to enjoy all of life's little mysteries.
Technically this is a Christmas gift for my bf but, if Howard could comprehend it, it really would be meant more for him.

I don't think I'll post a grid free version because this is how I want to view the image, as close as possible to the end product.

_{Also because I always want to know:
Howard is 50% amstaff, 25% Weiner dog, 12.5% bulldog and 12.5% Labrador retriever (for anyone curious I had him DNA tested for curiosities sake)}