Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Black Capped Chickadee sketch/drawing in pencil

The first in a series of original chickadee drawings, this artwork was done using charcoal and graphite pencils. I intend to create about 10 different variations of these bird drawings and then am considering the possibility of offering unique "collage" prints.
 
Black Capped Chickadee sketch/drawing in pencil by Wildlife Artist Colette Theriault
Chickadee no.1
6"x8"
pencil
SOLD

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The start of a new bird painting in pastel

I am taking advantage of some free time to start another piece but this time it will involve a scene from Western Africa. As you can see from the reference images, the subject is non other than beautiful crowned crane.

I am totally changing the backdrop for the bird as I didn't like the green grass on the reference photo I took at a sanctuary.  As for the scene,  I am hoping to capture a serene moment at dusk, depicting the lush grassland that make up part of  the bird's native habitat.

This is the first time I am using Pastlemat by Clairefontaine so it will be an interesting exercise.  It is very much like very fine sandpaper but I am realising that very different results are achieved depending on the blending method I use.

Bird Painting in pastel; work in progress by Colette Theriault
 
and tonight's update:
Avian paintings by Wildlife Artist Colette Theriault
 

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Grey Percheron Horse Portrait Commission: Painting in Pastel

I've completed the commission of  the horse painting today and am quite delighted that the clients immediately approved the sample image sent to them. All is left to do is fix the pastel and package the portrait for delivery!

For more information about this and other horse paintings, please visit my website at
http://www.colettetheriault.com/horseportraits.php


Grey Percheron Portrait Painting in Pastel by Colette Theriault
"Barney"
Percheron/Thoroughbred cross
Pastel
18" x 24"
Commission
I have always felt that a reproduction never truly captures the exact likeness of any painting as it often seems to miss the subtle variations in hues and color tones.  While this happens with prints, it  is especially true when viewing an image on a computer screen due to variations in monitor brands and individual settings.  Although the image above is a good representation of the artwork, I can see the differences when comparing it to the original.  Perhaps I am too much of a perfectionist, but this is an issue that I keep bumping into when preparing files or running prints of my work.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Equine art on the easel

Many  layers of pastel were needed to create the dappling effect on this horse neck. I will most likely go back and tone down several areas...or not...I'll  have a better idea once the chest area is completed. Stay tuned!
 
Horse portrait painting in progress by Canadian Artist Colette Theriault

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Horse painting progress: adding the muzzle

At this stage, the horse is finally coming to life now that his muzzle has been painted! There is still lots more work to do as I begin on the beautifully dappled neck. Let's just hope the pattern doesn't drive me crazy!
 
Equine portraits by Colette Theriault

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Horse Portrait progress

I am happy with the progress I've achieved so far on this portrait, considering this is larger commission than usual for me.  You can see my pastel pencils at the bottom of the image for size comparison.  
 
Horse Portrait in progress by Canadian Animal Artist Colette Theriault

Monday, January 14, 2013

Horse portrait painting in pastel update

After spending nearly all afternoon working on the mane, I am pretty happy with what I have achieved so far. I will leave the muscular neck for another day (and the shadow below the mane) as I decided to move on to the forehead section of the horse. I love the spiral pattern of the fur on the forehead, also called a cowlick.  You can see the pattern more clearly upon enlargement of the image.
Horse portrait painting in pastel by Equine artist Colette Theriault

Sunday, January 13, 2013

New Pet Portrait in Pastel on the easel...

I've sketched and begun adding the eyes and ears of this horse commission. I will continue to paint the rest of the fur and mane on the face, working in a downward motion, before proceeding to the neck and muzzle. I am using sand colored suede as the support as it will become the background color for the portrait. 
Pet Portrait in Pastel on the easel of Colette Theriault animal artist

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Dog Portrait of Golden Retriever and Labrador mix

I love the look and feel of pastel on suede as it gives the portrait a soft and delicate appearance...so much so that the viewer is tempted to pet or stroke the dogs. 
 
I decided to add a few coats of spray fixative to this larger painting to ensure the pastel stays where it is supposed to. This prevents unwanted loose dust to dirty the glass and mat once the portrait is framed.

To read more about this dog portrait visit my website at http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/petdescriptions/dogs_portrait.php

Lexxie and Dakota
Dog Portrait Commission
Pastel
18x16

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Dog Portrait update

I would like to thank all who commented and followed the progress of this dog painting. Your kind words, guidance and encouragement helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel so-to-speak.
 
While painting each dog presented it's own challenges, I at times felt that I would never be satisfied with the piece. But now, I  have finally reached a point where I can breathe normally again as I feel a sense of exhilaration knowing that the painting will shortly by completed and handed over to the client. Nothing truly beats seeing the expression on their face as they view their portrait in real life for the first time...
 
dog portrait commission painting in progress

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Black Labrador Portait in progress

I was able to begin working on the second dog in this portrait. Although she looks like a black Labrador or flat coated retriever type dog, she may also have some border collie lineage in the mix.

Once I have completed and am satisfied with the head and face of the dog, I anticipate the rest of the body will be quite a breeze...or at least, I hope so.

flat-coated retriever painting in progress
 
Here are a few more updates of tonight's work.
 
flat-coated retriever portrait in progress

black Labrador retriever painting in progress