Our friends have two beautiful labrador dogs (well, one is still very much a puppy) and I’m sketching out ideas for a painting of them. I’ve used a number of my favorite techniques with this sketch. The drawing is done with my Staedtler 0.18 marsmatic pen- a fussy implement (it doesn’t like altitude or temperature changes and clogs easily) but I love the fine lines. The paper is light tan Canson Mi-Teinte and washes are done with walnut ink, black india, a touch of red watercolor, and white gouache for the background. I particularly enjoy the walnut ink on the toned paper. The ink layers well over itself and has a warmth to it.