Marion Dutton

A close-up Dalmatian study in white fur, crisp black markings and expressive eyes - painted step by step from underpainting to finish.

A loose abstract acrylic base, built into a confident alla prima oil finish. Here's how The Last Slice came together, and the thinking behind every brushstroke.

A look at the underpainting stage of a fox portrait in oils - getting the tone and drawing right before any colour goes on, so the layers that follow are far more straightforward.