Grey Wolf Portrait – Oil Paint

In this 5-hour 20-minute tutorial, I will show you how to paint a realistic grey wolf portrait, focusing on understanding the different fur types and the thinking behind each decision as I work.

We will focus on:

• My approach to layering oil paint using alla prima techniques
• Building a realistic portrait from block-in to final detail
• Painting white and tan fur in both shadow and light
• Creating different fur types, from short compact fur to thicker, wavy coats
• Mixing colour in a simple, controlled way
• Capturing expression and intensity in the eyes
• Drawing the outline and preparing the palette

This is a great next step for advanced beginners and intermediate artists who want to better understand how to approach fur and build confidence with oils.

The reference image for this tutorial is sourced from wildlifereferencephotos.com and is not included due to licensing. A link to purchase the reference image is provided, or you can work from the image of my finished painting.