Learn to Paint a Highland Cow

Portrait of a Highland

Join me in learning how to paint a Highland Cow. In this painting lesson I will provide you with a grided reference photo and sketch. I will explain how to create the sketch on your canvas and set up your grid. This makes capturing your subject's proportions much much easier. This will save you some time and give you confidence when it comes to the actual painting. Once you have your sketch on the canvas I will take you through each layer of the painting. Learn how to tone the canvas, and solidify your sketch. Then start with a few base layers of darker colors. From there we will go through each piece of the cow. The hair, the horns, the nose etc. Learn how to create flowing hair. How to highlight hair to make it three dimensional and soft. Learn how to create texture on the nose and add highlights to it to create a realistic look. All of these things are covered in this start to finish lesson. I'll also give you some advice on how to take it further if you want to add even more detail and layers. This color palette is awesome! I bet you'll find yourself using this palette again on future paintings as well. Come join the fun and paint with me! Canvas Size: 18 X 24 Medium: Acrylic (can be done in oil as well using Neo megilp or liquid original to speed up drying) Colors Used: Burnt Umber, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Titanium White, Alizarin Crimson