Sunday, April 26, 2009

Red Squirrels painting in pastel-update

Click image for larger view.

Hard to imagine that this painting is about 40% complete. I rarely attempt paintings of this size (17' x22") or one with such a complex setting such as this maple bush scene. I guess that is one reason why it is taking me so long. There are already many layers of pastel layed down and lots of mixing going on. I'm happy with it so far.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Painting the squirrel today


I just had to start painting this little fella today. I was getting tired of background work so needed a little pick me upper. I'll most likely continue to color block the squirrel and then start the large maple tree in the foreground (right side).

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Squirrel and Maple painting update


Humm, the background is seemingly taking forever to paint...it doesn't help that I've been busy again the past few days. Oh well, a little bit here, a little bit there and eventually it will be done. I just hope I don't give up and abandon this one too.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Painting of Red Squirrels-update


Still working on the same area in the background...a bit more done today. I've been busy so trying to devote more time to painting has been futile lately. Hope to get back on this full steam within the next few days.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Red Squirrels in Maple bush-update on painting

Due to numerous request by fellow artist, I have included a step by step process of how I work pastels on velour paper. This method I have devised (although I am certain others have discovered it way before I have!) is very useful when one cannot trace or transfer outlines on the work surface. It is quicker and less messy than using the grid or projection method and is perfect for retaining proportions.

The first step in transfering the image to the velour board is to print out the mock image in outline format (Photoshop) in b/w. In this case, due to the larger size, I had to print the image in four sections and tape them together.
The second step involves cutting out contrasting shapes and outlines that define each subject or area to be drawn. As you progressively cut out each area, you trace the outline using a graphite pencil or dark pastel pencil.
Below, the outline is clearly visible and I even started drawing a small area of the painting.
This piece I consider moderately busy (more than I am used to) due to the many trees and branches intertwining everywhere and to make it worse, tons of dead leaves on the ground. I plan on working this piece in many smaller sections and continue on methodically in this fashion until all sections are finished and the masterpiece is revealed. And so that is the plan...

Friday, April 17, 2009

Red Squirrel painting composition-mock photograph


The latest mock image of what I am attempting next... again using soft pastels but this time on Hahnemule velour board instead of suede mat board.

I'm not sure how the busy scene will turn out...the dead leaves on the ground have already got my head spinning. I will most likely break down the painting in section using grids so that I don't loose myself in the repetitive detail of the leaves and the crevases of the bark. I will be adding a sap bucket to the maple tree to the left of the scene and remove the patch of snow under the squirrel that is on the sap bucket.

This mock scene is composed of about 4 different reference photographs; the squirrel photos were actually taken in my back yard. The idea came about when my family and I visited a local Maple Bush farm last Easter Monday. After thinking about the scene, I originaly was going to add a few chickadees but later decided that the red squirrels would be better because their larger size would make them more visible in this large scene.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Family Outing-Trumpeter Swan painting

After much time spent scanning this painting (in many many sections!), I am finally able to post an image of the final piece. So here is the trumpeter family leisurely swiming by the bank, all the while keeping a safe distance from the humanly observer on shore.
A sincere thank you for all those who commented on the updates for this painting.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Trumpeter Swan Portrait update



I worked on the foreground and completed the bank at the bottom of the painting. I've enhanced the overall portrait by going over with more pastel and completed the remaining areas in the middle of the painting. The next step, I will complete the water above the swans.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Painted ripples-swan painting update


It sure is taking a long time to add all those ripples and waves to this painting! It should all be worth it in the end, I would hope. Next, I will try to finish the last of the 2 cygnets and the water in the middle of the painting.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Painting of swan family-pastels


There birds were swimming past me under the cover of some trees and as a result, the light spots on the last few swans and on the ground are due to the sunlight penetrating the canopy.
This is taking a long time to work the details of the ripples but relatively much shorter when compared to the other mediums I work with (colored pencil, graphite and watercolor).

Friday, April 3, 2009

Swan Painting-bird art in progress




A bit more done today. The water is proving to take such a long time!!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Trumpeter Swans Portrait- update


This painting measures roughly 9" x 22".
I just love how this is turning out. I've always wanted to paint sharply contrasting ripples and reflections in water so this is why I decided to paint this composition. I think the title "Family Outing" for this piece would be quite suitable.

Swan Painting-Wildlife Art update



Had to share what I started today, in pastels of course. I've been working on this composition for a while now and decided at the last minute to add cygnlets to the composition. The original photograph had only the two adult swans and felt it was missing something. Of course, I will need to modify the foreground as snow would not be present once baby swans are born. I plan on replacing the snow with a sandbar and some grass along the front edge.

Barnwood frame horse painting


I thought I'd post a photo of the mare and foal painting as I framed it. The mat has textured leather look to it and the frame is barnwood style.

I'm getting ready to start yet another pastel painting. I have been working on the composition for the past few days and still contemplating adding more subjects to the scene. The only hint I am offering is that it is a water scene. Keep watching!