Bella Revisited - Watercolor Dog Portrait

I painted Bella the first time in December 2008. This is a much larger portrait I just finished. It measures 16 x 20 in. When I work larger like this I like to stretch my watercolor paper. It really is a pleasure to paint on. I might have to quit being lazy and start stretching smaller works.

If you don't know how, here is a link to instructions on how to stretch watercolor paper. The only step I didn't do was pre-soak my paper which I don't think it necessary. (I use 140lb Arches cold press). It is well worth the few extra minutes to stretch your paper!