Highland Cow Watercolour Portrait Paint by Numbers

Highland cow watercolour portrait paint by numbers

This square design shows a Highland cow facing forward in a simple watercolour style. Long curved horns sweep out from the top of the head. Shaggy fur falls over the face in layers of ochre, rust, sienna, cream and dark brown. Dark eyes look out through the hair above a wet nose, and soft ear tufts stick out on either side. Abstract washes and splatters surround the animal on a clean white background. The level of detail is medium, so the fur breaks into areas you can follow one number at a time. If you like animal subjects, our highland cow paint by numbers range has more designs to compare.

Tips for painting this design

Start with the white background and the pale cream washes, using the wide brush, so you have a clean base. Move on to the broad areas of ochre and sienna fur with the medium brush. Keep the fine brush for the dark eyes, the wet nose and the individual strands of hair falling over the face. Paint the watercolour splashes around the horns lightly to keep the loose feel. The 36 and 48 colour options give you more shades of brown and rust, which helps build the thick coat gradually. Let each layer dry before adding the darker splatters on top, and work from the centre outwards so your hand stays off wet paint.

Sizes, colours and painting time

The design comes in 15x15 to 70x80 cm (12 sizes). You choose a 24, 36 or 48 colour kit, on rolled canvas, with or without a wooden frame to assemble. Allow around 12 to 30 h depending on the size.

What's in the kit

• Canvas:The printed linen canvas shows the numbered outlines of the cow, its curved horns and the surrounding watercolour splashes.
• Paint:The numbered acrylic paints include ochre, rust, sienna, cream and dark brown to match the shaggy fur and soft washes.
• Brushes:Use the fine brush for the dark eyes and wet nose, the medium brush for the layered fur, and the wide brush for the background splashes.
• Guide:The included paper guide shows where each colour belongs on the finished portrait.
• Optional:You can choose the wooden frame to assemble, to display this square Highland cow once the paint is dry.

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Without frame

The canvas arrives rolled in a tube. You paint it flat and frame it afterwards if you wish.

With frame

Wooden stretcher bars to assemble stretch the canvas. You paint on a taut surface and hang the picture on the wall.