I have been on a bird kick for a few months and decided to take a short detour to make sure I don’t forget how to draw hair and fur.
This time, I started with Strathmore 400 Series Flannel White
About 4 days into drawing this, I started adding fine details (out of habit) so this is now another attempt at hyper realistic charcoal
Sketch has been laid (4 hours). I started using the grid method to “expand my capabilities” but near the beginning decided to scrap it and just do what I do. Not that I am lazy, but it was taking longer than what I am used to doing
09-25-2026
off to a good start (1.5 hours). In person, the nose is already looking lifelike
09-26-2026
Started adding the white
update 09-27-2026
challenge getting this hair texture right (1.5 hours)
09-28-2026
more hair texture
09-29-2026
fantastic morning adding some much needed contrast
09-30-2026
Added some shading to form the face this morning
10-01-2026
highlight detail 10-02-2026
hair detail 10-02-2026
front view update 10-02-2026 (2 hours)
from this lighting, it is hard to tell that I spent another 2 hours drawing details this morning
10-03-2026
up-close view of the hair details that I am referring to
2 hours this morning making more details to push my ability to create hyper realistic art
10-04-2026
1 hour this morning adding more micro details
10-05-2026
another hour this morning, started the second beauty
10-06-2026
Started putting in some of the hair details
10-07-2026
1.5 hours this morning 10-08-2026
Another 1.5 hours on the books
10-09-2026
Morning update: 10/10/2026
1.5 hours and these gals are coming together 10-11-2026
1.5 this morning
10-12-2026
1.5 this morning trying to put in some formation of the face
10-14-2026
adding some much needed value, but will have to remove some next round
.5 hours this morning is all I get 10-15-2026
another hour this morning adding detail to the nose
10-16-2026
1.5 hours
10-19-2026
1 hour
10-20-26
I only got 30 minutes this morning
10-21-2026
just laying out all the skin folds (1 hour)
10-22-2026
laying down some more value this afternoon
10-22-2026
an hour on the small hair details this morning
10-23-2026
10-24-2026 1 hour adding details
another hour of adding details 10-26-2026
the details bring this to life! 10-27-2026 (1 hour)
small hair details (1 hour) 10-28-2026
10-29-2026
hair details
10-30-2026
10-31-2026
I can see the finish line!
11-02-2026
Details, details, DETAILS!
11-03-2026
more hair details
11-06-2026
wowzers!
11-07-2026
added the whiskers
11-09-2026
Interested in owning this original?
Available for purchase until November 1, 2026
“The Brahman Beauties”
Completed (awaiting the frame)
View Progress Photos here: https://www.emarie.gallery/art-blog/the-brahman-beauties
19” x 25” (48.26cm x 63.5cm)
Charcoal and Graphite
The Brahman breed of cattle are an exquisite example of survival. While also an extremely intelligent breed and generally docile, they are protective. Here are some quick facts about Brahman
The Hump: A distinct muscle (cupim) sits on top of the shoulder to store energy and help regulate temperature (it does not store water)
Ears & Skin: Long, pendulous ears and loose, extra skin increase surface area for body heat release and air circulation
Sweat Glands: They have four times the number of sweat glands found in standard European cattle breeds
Coat & Color: Their short, glossy hair reflects sunlight, and black skin pigmentation protects against intense UV rays. Official American colors are grey and red
Insect Repellent: They naturally secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps deter flies and mosquitoes
Climate & Disease Resistance: They thrive in hot, humid, or semi-arid environments and resist ticks, pinkeye, and other parasites.
Crossbreeding (Hybrid Vigor): Commonly crossed with breeds like Angus (Brangus), Hereford (Braford), or Charolais (Charbray) to pass down heat tolerance and hardiness
