My first attempt

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Okay, so here is my first attempt. I'm still not clear on what the heck I'm actually doing.

My friend lost a dog unexpectedly, and I thought I would create a gift for her. What do you think of this painting? I know it's not the best and as detailed as it should be, but it's a start for me. I wanted the words spell his name...should the letters be smaller yet so that his name pops?

Any suggestions welcome. I intend to have the final picture printed on canvas for her.

Here is the original pic my friend gave me of Ranger:

And here is the painting I've done so far:

Does it look like him? I know his face looks a little bit more puffy, but that's as far as my skills go, LOL. We need another hangout!

Please, let me know your suggestions how to make the portrait special for my friend.

Thank you!

UPDATE: Is this better? I tried to paint in a little bit of the cheekbones. I'm not sure, but I think I liked the first drawing better even if his face was more puffy.

UPDATE 2: I should have posted the last version here so that you can compare it. I made the cheekbones less prominent and also resized the background so that I can have a canvas wrap printed without losing parts of the dog.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think it's FABULOUS!  What a great job.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Thank you all for your help. I'll have the last picture printed on canvas. Hope it turns out well.

[Linda and "Toby"]

It's perfect!

If you get a chance, snap a photo of the canvas when it arrives. :)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Thanks, Linda. I will. I just ordered it this morning.

[Carol and Banjo]

Jarka,  I feel like I could reach out and pet him.   I just love it!!!!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I just received the canvas and they did a great job (Canvas on Demand). The colors are perfect. I would still love to learn how to add more detail strokes on the picture like Linda does, but it'll have to be baby steps.

[Carol and Banjo]

Jarka,  This is wonderful!!!!!      She's going to be so thrilled.   What a wonderful friend you are.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Perfect Jarka. Terrific gift.

[Lynda Kamrath]

She will be absolutely delighted and this is a great job of mounting your canvas.

[Linda and "Toby"]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

Have you applied for a "Pro" account with Canvas On Demand? It's easy to qualify! Click the PRO LOGIN button.

By simply declaring yourself a digital artist, you qualify to prints at wholesale pricing from a lot of different places that sell prints. What's nice about Canvas On Demand is that they will give you a credit for one free 16"x20" canvas print as a gift for setting up a pro acct. And you have up to a year to redeem it. :)

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Neat, I did not know. I'll definitely do that. I had a coupon for 60% off so I only paid about $45 for the 16x20 canvas this time.