Progress on the Golden Retriever portrait painting in pastel

Today, I've almost completed the Retriever's body fur; having only part of the legs and feet to do before I continue to fill in the grass.

In the next update, I should have begun working on the second dog in this portrait commission.



 

Backdrop for Dog portrait painting in progress

In this step I added several layers of pastel to create the blurred out background for this portrait. Four different shades of green were used for the grass, (three shades on top of each other) with a solid color for the darker band or greenery across the very top. I may still go back at the very end and soften the background more.

 

Now that the background is pretty much done, I will be able to go back and add the final layer of  fringe fur around the golden retriever's head and complete the fur on the rest of her body.

 

Golden Retriever Portrait painting update

You might notice on this update that the dog's left eye has changed position slightly. After looking at them over and over again and observing the image in the mirror, it was apparent that a touch up was in order.

The colors are much richer in real life than on the update below which was taken with a camera.  I reserve the final scan and color adjustment for the last update as I'd rather be painting than spending time matching an update to the original.

Golden Retriever Painting commission in progress

Finding the correct colors to paint a golden's coat accurately can be challenging. For example, the light source and reflections from surrounding objects and the environment will affect how the dog's coat color appears in a photograph and in real life. To complicate things further, the genetic variability of the retriever's coat can make one golden appear redder while another to look almost white. 

While it can be next to impossible to match exactly all the tones and subtleties on any animal's coat, it will be easier to accomplish if you have a wide array of pastel colors at your disposition. The more pastel sets you have, and from different manufacturers, the better!

So let's have a look at what I have so far...

Hummingbird drawing revisited





BEFORE
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Drawing

Many of my colleagues know, I rarely create a  piece of art which I am totally satisfied with.  I can usually live with it, sometimes even taking years for me to really like it.   The hummingbird drawing however, was on my black list of "terribles" and I could no longer bear looking it at anymore, even though I had hung the artwork in a dark wall of the stairwell in an attempt to obscure it from view.

So today, I felt I needed to take the chance and attempt to revive that drawing. I also needed to regain my confidence which has been escaping me these past dark wintery months. I blame it on the seasons...it's just easier that way.

 As I took the dreaded drawing out of it's frame and laid it on the table, I took out my Prismacolors and chose a chocolate brown pencil.  I was  amazed at what little time it took me to achieve what I  hadn't in my first attempt.

It was just the change I needed. I am even starting to like it now.

AFTER
Revised version of
Ruby Throated Hummingbird
Drawing



Maple Bush Landscape Painting

This special request was a rather large painting I completed for a client. I don't normally take on commissions of this type but felt it was time to push the limits of my comfort zone and explore something other than animals and wildlife.

The reference photos used for this painting came from my own collection (main scene) as well as from the client (gentleman). The painting is a gift to commemorate the life of a special father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time at the maple bush.

"Sweet Memories"

pastel

23"x16"

 



Cairn Terrier Dog Portrait in Pencil

Although I currently have over half a dozen commissions left to do, this dog drawing is the last of which needs to be shipped out before Christmas. With the pressure of commission deadlines being lifted from my shoulders a bit, I can now start thinking of my own Christmas shopping and errands left to do! 

"Hunter"

Cairn Terrier

8"x10"

Graphite

White Persian Cat Portrait Painting in Pastel

Most of you will have recognised the breed of cat featured on this portrait is none other than the Persian. With his long haired coat, round face and pushed-in face, the Persian is the most popular cat breed in the United States today.

I created this portrait using pastel on medium gray suede paper which is very well suited to give a soft, fluffy appearance to the fur.

"Nikita"
White Persian Portrait
8"x10"
pastel on archival paper
Commission

To read more about this painting, please visit my website at: http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/petdescriptions/Persian_Cat_Painting.php

Cat portrait update

I plan on finishing this Persian cat portrait today as there is not much left to do; fill in the rest of that bushy tail and front paws and the side of the chair.

This scan of the pastel painting has been color adjusted to match as close as possible the original. However, the contrast is more difficult to match probably because the pastel dust particles have reflective properties and the intensity can change depending on the direction of the light.

Soft Pastel on Sandpaper Workshop

Last weekend, I presented a 2-day workshop for members of the Rayside Balfour Whitewater Lake Brush and Palette Art Club. During the workshop, I demonstrated the techniques that I use for creating my pastel portraits with sandpaper as the support. Judging from their facial expression, I presume they were quite happy with their results.

 I was told that the participants enjoyed themselves so much that they requested I return early next year to teach them how to work pastel on suede and velour papers! I am delighted that my workshops encourage other artists to give pastel a try.... and it seems I have many of them hooked on the medium and thirsty to learn more about this versatile and enduring medium.

Keep on Painting!

Colette

Pet Portrait of the Feline Kind!

It has been a busy season so far as I try to catch up on client commissions. Seems like the time just flies buy and then it's the new year!

I hope you enjoy following the progress of this "princess" cat. Keep watching for more updates!

Border Collie Portrait in pastel

It seems I forgot to post an update of this finished pet portrait commission; my apologies to my followers!!

This charming and playful dog is actually a border collie/German shepherd cross. As a pup, she was rescued after being hit by a vehicle and suffered a broken leg. When she was well enough to be adopted, she was lucky to have found a very loving home in Minnesota (her new owner drove over 14 hours to get her).

Now that she is all grown up, her owner wanted to portray the boundless energy, charisma and charm of her best friend with this unique portrait. Believe it or not, a total of 5 photos were used to create this composition, which included replacing the head on the body with one from another photo.

 I hope you enjoyed watching this portrait develop as much as I enjoyed creating it.

"Izabel"
Border Collie/German Shepherd Portrait
18" x 14"
pastel

Tennessee Walker Horse Portrait in Pastel

I have just received approval tonight from the client in regards to this commission! I will be busy securing and packing the artwork so that it is ready to ship tomorrow. All of my artwork is shipped flat... the portrait surface is protected with a sheet of glassine paper and then carefully sandwiched in between several layers of cardboard. Then, I use plastic wrap to "waterproof" the artwork before securing with an additional layer of cardboard on either side, which is taped and sealed shut with clear packing tape.

The Tennessee Walking Horse featured on the portrait is described as dark bay. The original photos were not really good and so I had to use several different shots that the client gave me to come up with this composition.

Tennessee Walker
Pastel
14x18

To read more about this painting, visit my website http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/paint1description/Tennessee_Walker_Horse_painting.php

More progress on the horse painting commission

This horse's coat color is what is called dark bay. I am achieving the dark color by adding many layers of pastel on top of each other, with a reddish brown being the base coat. One can still see areas where the base coat still appears even though the darker grey black pastel has been added on top.

Horse Portrait Commission in progress

Being Halloween, I guess I could be painting the headless horseman and his horse but I must get caught up on my commissions so....

I am working on a larger horse portrait and finding it a bit challenging to work with not-so-good shots, but unfortunately, that's all I have.

I decided to use medium gray velour board for this piece because one can effortlessly achieve a soft look with pastels.

Pastel Journal Award



You can imagine my surprise when, a few weeks ago, I received an email from the editor of The Pastel Journal informing me that my pastel painting had won an Honorable Mention in the 14th Annual Pastel 100 Competition (animal/wildlife category). An image of my winning painting is slated to appear in the April 2013 issue!!

I cannot reveal just yet which painting made the cut so you will have to wait until the publication comes out next spring.

Rainy afternoon...back in the art studio!

I can't say I am happy with the speed this portrait is progressing but at least I managed to work on it again today. I have been swamped with other things for the past few weeks and just can't seem to get into that "creative mode", let alone get to the sudio.

New Released Limited Edition Prints

I have two new prints available for purchase. Each edition is limited to 295 reproductions. Please contact me for details.

Dog portrait update

Here is a bit more on the Husky/Shepherd mix portrait I am currently working on. She is really starting to pop off the page now that I've begun working on the body.

Dog Portrait Commission progress

I know it has been a while that I have not posted any works in progress. That is because I have not been committing the time to my work that I should.  Much has been going on in the family household and I find it difficult at times to remain focused and disciplined when it comes to being productive in the studio...

But, today was fairly productive and I was able to accomplish a good deal on this dog's face. Here is an update of the border collie/shepherd mix commission I am currently working on.

Cat and Horse portraits win awards

This past weekend, I have had 2 works entered into the Cavalcade of Colors Show at Onaping Falls, Ontario. I was very pleased to learn that my cat drawing, "Contemplation" won Best of Show as well as The People's Choice Award.

Last August, North Bay held their first Art in the Park juried show and my two pieces were accepted. My pastel rendering of a horse eye reflection won 2nd place overall.

 

 

 







"Summer Fun" painting juried into NOAA !

I am quite pleased that my submission to Northern Ontario Artists Association has been juried into their 54th show! For the next 12 months, selected works will travel to over a dozen communities across northern Ontario.
Here is my winning entry:

Title: "Summer Fun"
Medium: pastel
Size: 11.5" x 15.5"

Siberian Husky Pet Portrait Drawing in Pencil

I can breathe a little easier now that this "rush" commission has been completed and shipped to the client all the way to Kentucky!  I don't like rushing but sometimes, I have to discipline myself and spend more hours in the studio...and put the do not disturb sign on the door!



Siberian Husky (copper phase)
graphite pencil drawing
8"x10"


To read more about this dog drawing commission, see my website http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/petdescriptions/Siberian_Husky_portrait.php 

Painting of Green Heron in breeding plumage using pastels

The rain and cold has kept me indoors lately and what better time than to finish the bird painting I had started a few weeks ago. With only just the branch left to do, I locked myself in the studio, put on some music (great motivator!) and grabbed my pastels. I may touch up the branch some more before framing the artwork but this little guy is pretty much "hot off the easel"...

Title: "Enchanted Moment"
Green Heron
Medium: Pastel on archival paper
Size: 13.5"x10"

To see more avian artwork, visit my website at http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/paint1description/green_heron_painting.php

Heron legs and more...

My favorite part of this painting has to be the bright orange sunlit legs of the little green heron as  I don't get to use orange very often! They are such beautifully feathered birds and those legs turn bright orange as the birds mature. Splendid little birds.

Tonight's progress of Green Heron painting

I am really enjoying painting this bird's lovely and colorful plumage. The image scan appears darker than actual which is always a problem when scanning large sections with black pigment. I will be painting more compositions with a black or dark backgrounds because I can achieve a more dramatic effect. 

New wildlife bird painting on the easel

As an artist, it might surprise some that spending a lot of time on my computer is essential when preparing for my next composition. Before I can actually sit down and paint, I sort through the thousands of digital photographs I have taken and then sometimes need to combine and manipulate the images using Photoshop until a suitable pose is reached.  I also spend a lot of time out in the field, researching, collecting and taking photographs of whatever plant, animal or scene that might inspire a future painting.

The following work in progress features a green heron in breeding plumage. The reference photographs were taken while camping in St Augustine , FL. I would wake up early each morning before the majority of humans were out and about and when the creatures were still active, and left with 2 cameras in hand... I can spend hours in the field observing and photographing my subjects so loosing track of time is a common occurrence. The adult heron in the painting was watching over her brood which had fledged the nest and were perched hiding amongst the mangroves.

Pet Portrait of Shih Tzu in Pastel

After finishing the chair late last night, I sent a scan to the client and this morning I had received confirmation via email of the approval of the portrait. Watch for my next painting on the easel coming soon!


Shih Tzu Portrait
Medium: pastel
Size: 10.5" x 8.5"

Shih Tzu portrait step 4

Now, just when you might think the most difficult aspect of this dog portrait is complete, think again! What you may not realise is that the dogs are sitting on a wicker chair...now I have to add the intricate details of the side webbing! I guess I really do keep the "best" for last...

Shih Tzu Portrait step 3

Finally, a bit of time tonight to sit at the easel and start the second pup in this dog portrait. Working on such a small scale using pastels on the suede has it's challenges, especially when adding the features of the face such as the eyes and nose. The dogs heads measure a mere 2.5 inches across!

I will go back and make any necessary adjustments (I see the top dog's right eye needs some tweaking), however, for the most part, the hardest aspects of the portrait are done.

Shih Tzu portrait step 2

At this stage, I have completed the first dog in the pose. You will notice as the painting progresses that the larger dog's fur is shaved down while the smaller pup sports her long coat.

I color corrected the scan to better reflect the actual portrait.

Pet portrait painting in pastel

Here is my latest pet portrait commission work on the easel...two adorable little shih tzus posing for their owner! Portrait size is 8x10 and I am working on ochre colored suede. Better images to come...

Pet Portrait of Weimaraner Painting

The client readily approved this commissioned dog and kitten portrait so I can lay my pastels down and call this one finished! They look like best buddies, don't they?


"Best Buddies"
Weimaraner and Kitten
14"x11"
pastel

Pastel painting in plein air...

Last weekend while at camp, I pushed myself to sit out in the wilderness and paint my first plein air using pastels and sandpaper. It was not easy sitting in the hot, scorching sun while the deer flies and horse flies chomped on my bare legs.The most difficult aspect of plein air painting for me was having to work with a 360 degree view of the world while I tried to reproduce only a fixed dimensional part of it on paper.  Hopefully, I will find it becomes easier with more practice...

On my next post, I will reveal the portrait of the Weimaraner...I am waiting client approval on the finished piece.

Cedar Falls
9" x 12"
pastel on archival paper

Comfortable snuggle

I thought it was time to reveal the rest of the portrait so here it is! The rest of the body is coming along nicely. I find it quite fascinating to paint the dog's coat which sparkles of gray, silver and beige/taupe hues.

Dog Portait update

After a weekend holiday camping trip, I was back at the easel working on this canine portrait. I hope to have him finished soon as I have yet another dog portrait commission to start.  I might have to bring this piece with me, along with my pastels,  on my next trip...

The snapshot below only shows half the portrait...

Dog portrait on the easel

Pastel portraits are probably my favorite type of commission. I also enjoy graphite pencil portraits because of the detail I can achieve with a fine pencil lead but the richness of the pastel colors can't be beat!
This fella and his shoulder buddy are slowly coming to life on the suede board.

Drawing of hummingbird take 2

After looking at the hummingbird drawing with fresh eyes this morning, I decided to rework the lower right quadrant and settle on a crop where the bird is positioned  higher up. Below is the newer version.

Ruby-throated hummingbird drawing

I am not quite sure how I will be cropping/mounting the drawing yet so that explains why I left the white border. Initially, I thought of  placing the hummingbird higher up on the page but now I think he will be offset towards the bottom and a bit to the right when I mount it to the mat.

I hope you enjoyed following the progress of this piece!

"Knight in Shining Armor" 

ruby-throated hummingbird (male)

size: 5" x 7"

medium: colored pencil

Blurred background effect using colored pencils

I thought I'd share the work in progress of the background on the hummingbird drawing. The background was gently laid down using circular motion to prevent hard lines and scribbles. The white round areas were accentuated using an electric eraser. The blurred out effect helps achieve depth within the artwork, giving it a sense of realism.

I'm off to finish the bottom portion!

Update on bird art on the easel

In this stage I have pretty much finished the bird with only minor tweaking anticipated. I may rework the branch a little and once I am satisfied with positioning, I will then begin to work on the background.

Bird portrait in progress

I have been wanting to paint/draw a hummingbird ever since I can remember. These little marvels of nature are true gems; not only in appearance but also in the way they amuse and entertain me each time they visit my garden and feeders.  Patience (and standing completely still for sometimes 15 minutes at a time or longer) is key to getting them to come close enough in range for the camera...then throw in some luck and it is possible to get good, clear shots of them.  Here is the start of what I might call "Knight in Shining Armor".  I am using colored pencil on Fabriano paper.

Trumpeter Swan painting in pastel revisited

Ever since I framed this piece I felt it was inadequately painted. I hung it in my bedroom where I could see it everyday upon awakening, to remind me that someday I had to improve upon what I had done wrong.  I always felt it was too dark and gloomy overall, the birds lacked contrast against the water and the sunspots on the rear bird screamed at me to remove them. My biggest mistake was that I had painted the birds exactly as they appeared on my reference photo...They were swimming under a tree and the area was poorly lit due to the deep shade... and  then there were the distracting sunspots!

You apparently learn from your mistakes however and  I have since learned to use my artistic license more freely. I like to think that the painting has been improved upon; if not, I take it as a lesson and leave it at that.

original version

"Family Outing"

pastel

22" x 11"

new version 

Black capped chickadee painting in pastel

I am calling this one just about finished, but after a night's sleep, I may find something I want to tweak. You may notice that the bird has changed position slightly as he was sitting rather straight...I simply rotated the paper slightly and I think it looks much better.

Here is the updated version....I reworked the black bib.

Title: "Little Visitor"
Medium: pastel
Size: 6.5" x 4.5"

Today's distraction....

I have been distracted today by taking photographs of the visiting hummers. I have set up quite an impressive station with many hanging baskets of annual flowers and 4 feeding stations, situated right beside my patio door. It is hard to do anything "productive" when the opportunity arises for a photo shoot. I guess my next painting might just be of a humming bird!

Anyhow, I resumed working on the chickadee painting and this is what I accomplished so far: