I feel like I’m finally making some good progress with this painting. Although, I’ll probably paint over all of this a couple more times and say the same thing each time.

In the previous version I had definitely used too strong of a purple for the shadows where I should have used a much more muted color. I corrected this by going back in with warm grays and browns. I’m really pleased with the neck and chest area now as well as the ears. I need to work on the eyes, mouth and nose a bit more, but I think I’m finally on the right track.

Aside from simply not painting often enough, part of my struggle is the overwhelmingly cool tone to the reference photo. I swear, the dog turns blue the longer I stare at the reference. Since the dog isn’t blue in reality, there is a certain degree of improvisation happening.

My goal is to finish this painting and the Canyonlands painting by the end of the year. With how fast the end of the year seems to be approaching however, I’m not sure I’ll make it. I have plans to participate in another 30 in 30 painting challenge in January so all other projects will be put aside until February.