Seems Like...

Seems like a no-brainer, but putting the finishing touches on areas like the tail and the muzzle can be tricky and sometimes baffling. The tail in general has a lot of sharp detail. Getting that detail to not only blend but pop nicely can be tricky. Here are some quick suggestions to producing nicer manes and tails using a dry brush method.

Prep tail by adding gesso (allow to dry)
and then add your base color


Cover the entire tail
most especially the grooves.
Two-three coats should cover.

Mix a bit of white into base color then lightly
dry brush onto the surface. Only the raised portions will receive paint.


Simple dry brush technique
used on the mane.

Add darker color in grooves
to create depth

Muzzle color can pose a huge problem. Add too much red and it looks like lipstick. Add too much white and it starts to look chalky and unrealistic. So what colors does one use to produce realistic looking muzzles and how is that paint applied so it blends nicely with the white markings and surrounding areas?


Alizaran Crimson, Burnt Sienna and
some linseed oil used to create the muzzle color.

Just a touch of Alizarin Crimson and Burnt Sienna in linseed oil will produce a very transparent mixture. To this mixture add a bit of Titanium white oils.


Titanium white oils added to mixture

Dab placed right in the middle of
the muzzle.


Taking a dry blender brush
blend the dab into the entire muzzle area.

Finish is smooth and the proper "fleshy"
muzzle color. Additional color (darker)
can be added inside nostrils.

"Hay"
Graphite and Watercolor on archival bristol.

"Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend." ~Albert Camus