Forever Protected

I first grid the reference on a 60 × 40 cm surface with 10 cm squares. This helps me keep the proportions accurate and makes the drawing process much easier.

I transferred the drawing to my Fabriano paper (70 × 50 cm). Before starting, I created a 10 cm frame using tape around the edges.

As always, I colored the eyes first using conte pencils and charcoal. I used soft brushes and a brush eraser to create soft lights in the eyes.

I colored the dark stripes first using conte pencil and then conte powder to separate and define them, making the skin look more realistic. I used stiff brush 0 for the furs and hairs.

I used big and small mechanical erasers for white hairs and furs, and also for the white whiskers (moustaches). Blending stumps were used for the mouth area and the nose.

I colored the background with charcoal powder, creating a cloudy effect using a combination of black and white.

I drew the flowers and roots in the background using blending stumps with charcoal.

I used a kneaded eraser along with a brush eraser for the flowers to lift lights and create softness.

Other background elements like grass, leaves, and plants were drawn with brushes and charcoal.

I always pay close attention to the details and compare everything carefully so I don’t miss anything in the reference.

After finishing, I carefully peel the tape off slowly so the paper doesn’t tear or get damaged.

Finally, I spray fixative spray to protect the artwork from smudging and charcoal dust.