Dusky Alice
Posted: September 23, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: Alice, Charcoal brush, Procreate 16 CommentsAlice is very happy for the cooler autumn weather. She’s way more energetic on her walks and this week we’ve returned to our trails now that it’s less buggy in the woods. She’s so happy to be reunited with the other dogs that walk there too, and when we get home she’s ready for a long nap.
Before I sketched, I updated the Procreate app on my iPad to the new Procreate 5.4. If you are a Procreate user, you may already know that there are 18 new brush sets on there, including gouache, oil, watercolour, ink and charcoal sets.
While Alice was napping, I tried out the Dusky charcoal brush. I’m not a very sophisticated Procreate user. I just like to use the drawing tools like I would the tools in my studio: draw with them, erase if I can, and try to figure out how closely they replicate their analog versions. This Dusky charcoal brush is really nice. If I hold my Apple pencil upright, I get a defined line. If I use the side of the pencil, I get smudge marks, as if I was using one of those stump blenders. And since I often draw on my iPad when I don’t have much time, the best thing about this is that I don’t have to hunt around in my studio for paper and charcoal, plus my fingers are clean at the end.
Alice moved her paws while I was drawing her so I don’t think I got that front paw quite right. I tried to put it back in place but she would have none of it. You know what they say about sleeping dogs…
Alice looks so comfy❣️So glad she accommodates your drawing urges
She loves her bed!
So Fun!!! I miss Alice:)
Lori
We both miss you too!!
Our dog Ruby loves the fall too, so much energy!!! I don’t own an iPad and therefor have never used Procreate but that looks like a pencil on paper drawing! Amazing technology.
It sure is amazing technology. I’m looking forward to exploring more.
Alice looks so dreamy eyed. I like how you did her muzzle, especially her nose. I have always drawn analog but today’s drawing sure shows its benefits 🙂
Chris, it’s a nice change for me to draw on the ipad! Thanks for having a look!
Over the years, I have become quite fond of Alice through your drawings. I’m always happy to see her.
Thanks Stephanie. I am always happy to share her. When I travel, the first thing people ask is about Alice!
Love your sketches of Alice! About Procreate, can I ask if you’d recommend any courses I could do? thank you. Sasala
HI Sasala, It’s great to hear from you! The best person I know for learning about Procreate is Teela Cunningham. She has all types of courses: https://every-tuesday.com/courses/
There are no urban sketching specific courses but once you understand how to use Procreate as a drawing tool, I think you can adapt it to anything. She also has tons of stuff on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@EveryTuesday
I hope this helps!
Hi Shari
A few weeks ago you sent a list of gelli pens (?) and an order form. I have been looking back at your posts and can’t find it. If possible, could you send it to me?
HI Judy, I don’t know what that list was. I always use a white Signo Uniball pen.
Thank you Shari 🙂
Lovely work on this sketch, so inspiring — thank you for sharing Procreate 5.4 tips