100% Hand Drawn by Artist Robert Shirt— No AI or Digital Filters
Creating an Australian Collie pencil drawing is always a rewarding challenge, especially when I want to capture the breed’s gentle expression and lively intelligence. In this post, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at my latest coloured pencil portrait — drawn on warm kraft-tone paper — along with a timelapse showing the full process from sketch to final highlights.
If you’re new to my work, you can browse my Portfolio:
Or head straight to my Hand‑Drawn Dog Portraits:
Australian Collies have beautifully expressive eyes and layered fur textures that lend themselves perfectly to coloured pencil realism. Their warm coat tones pair especially well with kraft-tone paper, which adds a natural midtone and earthy atmosphere to the finished artwork.
If you’re curious about the materials and techniques I use, you may enjoy The Mediums I Mainly Use:
For this portrait, I used Prismacolor Premier and Derwent Lightfast coloured pencils, Zest-It Pencil Blend for smooth fur transitions, white acrylic paint for subtle highlights, and Stonhenge Kraft 100% cotton paper for its warm natural tone.
If you’re planning a commission, choosing the right reference photo makes a huge difference. Here’s a helpful guide:
Choosing the Right Photo for a Portrait
Initial Sketch
A light graphite outline maps proportions and the overall flow of the fur.
Base Colour Blocking
Warm browns, creams, and soft greys establish the core values and undertones.
Building the Fur Texture
Layering coloured pencil strokes helps capture the softness and depth of the Collie’s coat.
Shadow Depth & Feature Definition
Strengthening shadows around the muzzle, eyes, and ears adds contrast and realism.
Acrylic Highlights
White acrylic paint adds subtle shine to the eyes and fur tips, bringing the portrait to life.
If you enjoy seeing an artwork develop, you may also like:
Cockapoo Dog Drawing
And here’s another:
Chocolate Labrador Drawing
If you’d like your own pet illustrated in this style, you can order a custom portrait here:
Order a Portrait
You can view sizes and pricing here:
Price of a Portrait Commission
If you’d prefer your portrait framed, here’s the framing information:
Framed Portraits
Here are genuine customer reviews of my work:
Reviews
To learn more about me and my work as an artist:
About Robert Shirt
For quick answers to common questions:
FAQs
To explore more dog artwork, visit:
Hand‑Drawn Dog Portraits
Or explore my full portfolio here:
Portfolio