As a right hander, I work from top to bottom, left to right. This prevents smearing.

First, I figure out what size the drawing needs to be to fit on the page, as I’ve designed it. (Or redesigned it, in many cases)

Second, I lightly draw in where the main parts belong. This is an outline form, and essentially, I am drawing the dog before the fleas.

Third, I begin shading, working top to bottom, left to right.

Want to see one in progress? (Thought I’d never ask, did you??)

What is this little building?

Beats me. It isn’t a Wilsonia cabin, but sits (or stands?) behind one.