Suggestions/critique wanted: Iggy Appaloosa

[Foxglove]

So this is pretty much the first painting I've ever sat down and done. It's an my favorite breed of dog mixed with my favorite breed of horse I'm a little disappointed with a few things, though. I know I made the front legs too short and didn't center the dog (he needs to be over to the right more.) What I don't know how to fix is the head. How can I make it look less cartoonish?

 

[Gypsydancer]

Honestly, I don't mind it being off center. I find it to be a bit more interesting..

I am unsure about the proportions aspect but to make it look less cartoon-ish perhaps some additional shading is needed. Right now it looks a little flat, which may make it seem like a cartoon. Perhaps add a bit of white to your lightest brown or a little yellow for a warmer tone.

 

[cannibalcow]

i agree with gyps there. maybe some shading on the dog itself. don't be afraid to mix up some different shades of brown, just start with the main colour you used on him and add some white/yellow for lighter and black for darker. if you feel you did it wrong you can paint over with the original colour.

other than that i think you did a great job. he looks so very nice!!

 

[sweetlittlejenny]

Maybe make the nose less rounded?

My dog is a Greyhound mix and looks alot like a greyhound. The nose has a bit of a point to it and the top of the snout is quite flat.
I love the appaloosa spots you gave it!

She doesn't really like her picture to be taken, she's afraid of the camera. So I don't have a decent full on side shot of her.

 

[Lackadaisy]

To make your paintings less cartoon-y, try shading without using an outline next time. you can leave a light pencil outline and then erase it after the paint is dry.