Cheetah In Acrylics - Step 1

Planning Stage & Blocking In
Canvas Size: 16" x 20"

This will be my first attempt at painting an animal, one I am sure will be filled with its own unique challenges.

I have reserved a 2 inch border that will later be painted with an African pattern to simulate a wooden frame.

For this painting I began with very few markings prior to laying in the paint for the blocking stage, relying on shaping the image with the paint brush rather than a pencil. I used a watered down colour to lay in the first shapes, then later applied a slightly heavier layer.

Goals for This Piece:

1. Depict accurate proportions in the animal's structure.
2. Achieve depth within the eyes.
3. Attempt to achieve realism in the texture of the fur.