The body takes form with just the addition of a few strategically placed 'patches'. This is only the background colour, as much of this side of the animal is in shade and is quite dark. Much of the rest of the body will be white, but as it is in shade also, there will be many different tones added to give the hide texture.
My strategy for painting is not the usual 'fill in the background with a wash' technique', but to add small areas at a time, and bring them almost to a conclusion before moving on. Some of these areas are quite tricky with watercolour paints, as it cannot be removed once applied, and painting over is almost impossible so I like to know that I am achieving the effect that I am trying for. In my earlier days of painting using the former method, I made errors that I felt spoiled the painting and so I destroyed them. This doesn't happen so often today as I spend longer thinking about it before I apply the paint to the paper. This technique is not for everyone, but it suits my personality!