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Dog Pattern Tips with Lizz
Merle

A quick tutorial on how to create Merle. It's more of a cheat/tip than anything. You will need to be able to download brushes for this tip. I use Photoshop, but this trick has worked in MangaStudio too(my old program I used). Below are some more tips and links to brushes to download that can help.

Step 1
Get your line art and base all set. Lock both Line art and Base layers. Create new layer between line art and base. Find the color of Merle you'd like. For the example, I'll use a black base with blue Merle.

Step 2
On the new layer, above the base, select a foliage brush and randomly paint leaves on the dog. Use a larger size to help with large random patches.

Step 3
Once you have a general idea of where the Merle patches are, select the eraser. Set the eraser to a foliage brush as well. You can use a different foliage brush or the same one used to paint them on. Randomly erase the leaves on the Merle patches.

Step 4
You have your Merle patches figured out, now to add some more volume and color to the Merle color. Set the Merle layer on lock and pick a lighter Merle color - not too far off from the original color. You can even use another foliage brush to help add some shape. Otherwise, a soft airbrush to randomly spray lighter patches works too.

Step 5
Now the pattern is set and the color is good, we bring out the Smudge tool. Use a dotted brush of sorts to help give a fur like texture(similar to the one used to smudge in Agouti/Sable Tutorial ). With it, smudge along the fur direction. Depending on the dog's fur length, smudge in smaller strokes for short fur and in larger strokes for long fur. Also, be sure to unlock the Merle layer so that you can smudge freely.

Step 6
Once you got the direction and smudgness(that's a word....) you want, add the details. Use the default round brush with pen pressure on and add small or long strokes(depending on fur length).

Step 7

Your Merle is done! Feel free to use the foliage brush to add and take off/add on Merle patches. Just be sure to smudge to blend it back in/out. You can also now add your tan points or go on the base and add markings.

Brushes
Just some foliage brush pack suggestions. I'm not sure if what program they work for, so don't ask about that and converting. Trust me...I'm no computer wizz..Most of these are free, a couple are points, but they are all very helpful!

Genetic Tip Corner with Lizz: Merle is a marking that only shows up on the black/liver/blue/Isabella color - not red. So, that also means that Merle doesn't cover up tan points. Although, sometimes tan points have a weak intensity and so the Merle can show thru the tan points.

Disclaimer: Never ever breed Merle with Merle. This results in Double Merle and will give the offspring health issues such as deafness and blindness.