![Best Friend](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/6252/454113/5ec26527cae61/Best-Friend.jpg)
Step One
I like to take many photographs and observe the animal for myself. Otherwise, I ask for as many photographs as the owner can supply. I enlarge chosen photographs to A4 size on my computer, and I print them out in colour and black and white (this helps me with detail and shading).
I begin with a detailed sketch in my sketch book. My objective is to capture the spirit and character of my subject as accurately as possible.
MATERIALS
• Canson Mi Teintes pastel paper 160gsm (Toba).
• Soft pastels: Rembrandt; Faber Castell Studio range; Winsor & Newton.
• Black and white charcoal pencils.
• Pastel pencils (soft and hard): Faber Castell; Pitt Pastell; Bruynzeel.
• Workable Matt Fixative.
• Kneadable eraser.
• Paper stumps: 2, 4 and 6.
• Bristle brush – Size 0.
• Maul stick.
• Wet and dry cloths for cleaning fingers.
• CD player and inspiring music … Classical, New World, Jazz.
STEP TWO
My Canson pastel paper, with a piece of slightly bigger smooth card underneath it, is clipped to a large piece of MDF board on my easel. I make a gutter with an old piece of soft card to go underneath (this acts as a dust catcher). I attach my reference photographs to the MDF board surrounding my pastel paper.
With my inspirational music playing, I am ready to make a start.
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