Hello, I recently joined and am taking the colored pencil course as it’s a medium I’ve never dabbled in. These are pictures I did of my little shih Tzu Teddy. Think I may need to slow down a little in particular on the fur as looks a little messy but am pretty proud of my first attempts. Matt is such a great teacher…learning so much!
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Should always give yourself credit in what you do.
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Hello Michelle, welcome to the VI and the members’ forum! Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful coloured pencil artwork. I found myself instantly loving this piece and wondered why. That is probably because it has a quite unique composition for a pet portrait. Your little Tzu Teddy is sleeping, but in a quite dynamic position. Sleeping in a curled up position instead, this portrait would look much more static. And the cushion works quite well to achieve a good balance in the composition. Is also makes the artwork more appealing. I would mute the cushion a bit to make the dog’s head stand out more clearly, I mean something like this. I’ve adjusted the contrast of the shadows here and there too:
I recommend that you submit it to the Member’s Minute. Matt will love this piece!
I’ve also tried my favourite framing simulator for this work. Hope you like them 
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Maki, So nice to meet you and really appreciate the welcome and the time you spent looking and providing feedback of my artwork!
The recommendations are very welcome. I knew this site was going to help me develop my skills but feedback from peers (though sometimes scary lol) is the best way to learn.
I am going to apply your recommendations and I will submit to Matt for critique once done.
Thank you!
Ps. What program are you using for the frame simulation……love that you took the time to show me that too!
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Hi Michelle, thank you so much for your response. Glad to know that my feedback is of some help for you!
As to the framing simulator, I usually use it on the website run by the frame shop where I buy frames for my artworks.
The handling manual of the simulator is written in Japanese so I once prepared an English translation of the manual here:
But I also found something similar in English:
I still prefer the former one because it looks like they have a wider choice of designs and colours for the frames and mats. But the English version will be much easier for you to handle for sure.
I look forward to the official critique of your work in the future! 
Hi Maki,
Thank you so much for all the frame information. Very much appreciated!
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