Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Monarch caterpillar painting in pastel

The original reference image for this painting had a green color scheme that was too overpowering and monotonous.  I felt that by adding a pink cluster of milkweed blooms near the bottom would create a more pleasing composition by providing a splash or color and interesting shapes.  The bold, stripped pattern of the caterpillar now competes for attention with the elongated leaves, star-shaped blossoms, buds and even the tiny eggs!
 
Monarch caterpillar and common milkweed painting in pastel by Colette Theriault
Monarch Caterpillar and  Eggs on Common Milkweed
(Danaus plexippus and  Asclepias syriaca)
4" x 6"
pastel
SOLD


Insect Painting in progress

 The next three paintings in the butterfly series will feature the egg, larvae, pupae and adult stages of the same species of butterfly. 

I am quite certain many of you will recognize this caterpillar and the species of butterfly it belongs to. The toxic plant it feeds on is called milkweed (swamp milkweed in this case) and the noxious substance is absorbed by the insect and persists in the butterfly stage to make it unpalatable to any would-be predators.

The pastel painting below of the larval stage will also include the egg stage as I will add tiny egg cases on one of the leaves.
caterpillar, insect and butterfly paintings in pastel by Wildlife Artist Colette Theriault

Pastel Journal's Pastel 100 Competition

Now that the Pastel Journal's April 2013 issue is out on news stands, I can announce that my painting of chickadees entitled "Two's Company" won an Honorable Mention Award in the 14th Annual Pastel 100 Competition.  I was pleasantly surprised and quite honored to have my piece selected amongst over 3000 entries from around the globe and claim a spot amongst the top 100 paintings!

If you have a chance to purchase/view a copy of the Pastel Journal, you will not be disappointed!

Colette Theriault and her pastel painting of black capped chickadee in a birch tree

To read more about the journal and the competition, you can visit www.pasteljournal.com

Colette Theriault's painting wins Honorable Mention Award at Pastel Journal's Pastel 100 Competition

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Painting in pastel

I woke up early this morning to work on the little bit that needed to be done to call this miniature painting finished! This butterfly painting is the second in a series of four.

The most challenging aspect of  this painting was reproducing the profusion of tiny white flowers but I enjoyed it immensely!  Of course, adding the details of the beautiful tiger swallowtail was also fun.

The photo reference I used for this painting was taken in my own garden when my Bridal Wreath Spirea was in full bloom. 

Canadian Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Painting in pastel by Canadian wildlife artist Colette Theriault
"Swallowtail and Spirea"
(Papilio canadensis) and (Spiraea prunifolia)
pastel
6" x 4"
SOLD

Monday, February 18, 2013

Miniature Wildlife Painting in pastel

I have been working today on a second butterfly painting of a Canadian Tiger Swallowtail resting on a bridal wreath spirea. The bush in my garden was in full bloom and so recreating the profusion of tiny white flowers is taking more time than any other element of this composition.

 I have accomplished much more than what I am showing on the progress shot but won't reveal any more just yet...

Miniature Wildlife Painting in pastel by Award Winning Artist Colette Theriault

Monday, February 11, 2013

Great Mormon Butterfly Painting in pastel

I have been commissioned to paint a series of four little butterfly paintings and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to use my own reference photos! I have been wanting to paint more butterflies and now I have no more excuses.

The specimen featured in this painting was from a photo I had taken several years ago at our local    butterfly gallery at Science North. The Great Mormon is a common species of swallowtail which comes from tropical Asia.

Great Mormon Butterfly Painting in pastel by wildlife artist Colette Theriault
Great Mormon Butterfly (female)
(Papilio memnon)
pastel
6"x4"
SOLD

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Drawing of black capped chickadee on branch

Today I completed a second bird drawing in the chickadee series. I love how quickly these are coming along compared to the longer and larger pieces which take forever to finish.

Black Capped Chickadee charcoal drawing in pencil by Wildlife Artist Colette Theriault
Chickadee no.2
6"x8"
pencil
SOLD

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Pastel Workshop at the RBWBPAC!

This past Saturday, I was invited to present a second pastel workshop in Azilda, for members of the local art club but this time instead of using sandpaper, we used suede and velour as supports.

Our choice of subject matter included various floral scenes as well as a rabbit to practice drawing fur. The participants were delighted at the wide array of color choice for both the suede and velour  papers and it was fun experimenting with them.

Pastel Workshop by Northern Ontario Award Winning Artist Colette Theriault
 
The next pastel workshop will take place in Corbeil, ON. sometime in  April 2013. Please contact the artist for more information.