Beagle beside a Picnic Blanket

A beagle sits beside a checked picnic blanket, its floppy ears and tri-color face forming a clear focal group. Grass, basket weave and folded cloth add varied edges around the dog.

Start with eyes, muzzle and ear tips, then follow the back and paws. Build blanket checks as small squares; keep grass pieces near their blade direction and save the soft background for last. Ear tips, basket handles and blanket checks give the dog scene several small starting groups. Blanket folds become easier once the dog’s face and paws are fixed.