Step 1. I typically start on colored paper using a white colored pencil.
Step 2. Using light peach, cream, peach, and burnt ochre I started shading in the color. I shade mostly in the direction of the fur to avoid issues later.
Step 3. Using Raw Umber and Ginger root I added some darks, lights and more color. Still working mostly in the direction of the fur.
Step 4. Using all the colors as needed, I start adding the fur texture. This involves some line work and breaking the edges of the spots.
Step 5. I added more texture and started refining. This will need the end process of studying, correcting, and refining which takes time before finishing.