Dog pastel commission update

Here I've re-worked the water to the right of the dog and also added the fur details to the body/legs. The darker markings around her left eye makes it appear as if both eyes are not the same size...

Starting to look like a dog...

Still many, many more layers to add but at least now it's starting to look like the dog I'm to paint. At this point, I felt I could not go on without adding the features of the dog's face. The first reason being is that I needed to know that I can get her face right, and the other reason is because I risk smudging the water to the right of the dog if I don't fill in that area (dog's head) of the paper.

Beach dog pastel commission

Pastel on sandpaper, 14"x18"

Adding the base layers to the sketch makes this painting look pretty rough. It is hard to imagine the final portait at this stage. I've posted the ref for this image a few posts below.

Drawing of cat almost done! Updated...

Here's the updated scan of the final portrait:

After spending the night drawing more fur to complete the cat's chest, I added a subtle background. Once the client approves of the portrait, I will scan and post a clearer image.

Cat Drawing in pencil-work in progress

After many more hours and layers of fur, here is my cat drawing coming to life. Albeit, I still have to go back and retouch certain areas, I can see the end is forthcoming.

Domestic cat charcoal/graphite drawing update

11"x14", graphite and charcoal

This cat portrait is that of Smokey, a grey domestic short haired (DSH). I am doing my darndest best to fill in the missing features from my horrible mock ref. photo. I sure hope she ends up looking like her when I'm all done.

Domestic Cat drawing commission

Not-so-good mock image:

The pre-Christmas rush is keeping me busy with yet another commission. The mock I created above was from a real badly over-exposed photograph. The eyes were so white from glare that they appear hollow on the photo. Oh well, a bit of artistic license here will perk up this proud looking fella. Progression of this artwork to come shortly.

Horse eye painting

pastel on sandpaper, 8.5" x 11"

I'm proud to announce that I've completed a painting!! This is a close up of "Daisy", one of our lesson horses my daughter and I use for English Riding courses. Daisy Duke (The Dancing Queen is her show name) is described as a gentle giant who's patience and calmness makes her an ideal teaching horse for riders.

When I took the photo, I loved the reflection in her eye which showed the white fence jump that my daughter had been practicing that day. I knew I had a perfect reference for this painting.

I haven't decided on a title yet but two that I was thinking about are "A Gentle Soul" or "Her Soft Gaze".

Horse pastel painting update

The most challenging aspect of this pastel painting is blending the hairs into the fine sanded surface to create a fine, smooth line. Perhaps, ArtSpectrum Colorfix paper should not have been my choice for this piece since it is taking me longer to achieve the results I want with the fur.

I have just ordered some Wallis very fine sandpaper (museum grade) and it is suppose to be able to handle up to 25 layers of pastel. I can't wait to try it and see the results for myself if it holds true to the manufacturer's claim. I hope that the 800 grit is fine enough to allow the pastel to fill the tooth without too much blending.

Back from painting weekend!!

After 2 days of painting, drawing and sketching with members of the Sudbury Art Club at Fielding Park, I feel exhilarated and refreshed. Two of us also spent many hours walking the woodland trails, photographing any bird, animal or scene that caught our eye.

The lighting this time of year is fantastic for capturing beautiful shadows and that golden glow. On our last day, we managed to get some so-so shots of the elusive hooded mergansers. Without the advantage of hiding in a blind, the birds would disappear within a blink of an eye at the least bit of movement as we tried to approach them. But, before the end of the day, our patience and perseverance rewarded us by spotting a graceful lone swan who happened to be very photogenic! I will need to upgrade my hard drive soon to make room for all those photos.

The work in progress below is what I started this past weekend. I know some of you will frown; starting yet another painting when I have so many to complete! I do have a good reason...due to lack of working space at the painting retreat, I could only bring something manageable in terms of size...since I only have larger paintings at the moment to work on, I had to quickly sketch something much smaller.

8x10, pastel on sandpaper; 2 days work

Pastel portrait commission

Here's the latest dog portrait I will be working on. Overall, this photograph is too grey and monotonous so I will be changing the color of the water and the sand as well as the blue cast on the side of the dog. Otherwise, it is a nice, lively pose with good contrast and light...I love the dog's action pose with her paw in the foreground, as well as the foam on the water and the waves creeping up on the soft, sleek sand. I will be working this portrait using pastel on sandpaper, size 14" x 18".

Slowly inching may way through foliage

After a good night's rest, I've decided that I should work the rest of this painting in stages by completing little sections or areas at a time. This seems to be the best approach for me now because of the repetitive nature of the leaves really aggravates my nerves.

I still need to go back and change the values on the foliage in front of the deer by darkening more spaces between leaves but will most likely just keep that for last.

Deer painting blues...

Just when I thought I could tackle this painting again, I've been hit with a wave of frustration. I guess I should have known better than to paint when I felt tired...I am just feeling so lost in all those leaves and I just can't concentrate!!!!!
Part of the problem is I know there is so little left to do on this piece and want to finish it so bad since I purchased a wonderful frame for it. Oh, and not to mention I want to move on to another piece right??!

Some thoughts so far... I like the dark area unde the log and will add some darker foliage to give illusion of depth. The angled stump on the far bottom left I feel I should round the top off perhaps instead of extending to the edge...not sure yet.
Then, the light foliage in front of the deer is too much of the same value. Need to figure out how to approach that area. Might add some various shades of browns to break the green.
Best if I sit back and think on this one.

Drawing of Ottawa Parliament and archway

Decided to wind down from a hectic day tonight and "relax" while working on this painting and listening to music. Not a whole lot more done than my previous post but the burnishing and layering of the darks on this paper takes way longer than one would think.

Now that the left side of the archway is done, it seems to want to jump out of the drawing doesn't it?

Ottawa Parliament Building pencil drawing-work in progress

Once a week, I save this drawing to work on while my daughter attends her nightly German Language class. So far, I have spent 9 hours working on this piece, which includes a full hour just to draw the line sketch. Tonight, I managed only to work on a tiny bit of the tower from the clock downwards and a bit of the bottom of the arch on the left hand side. The drawing measures 11"x14".

Miniature Dachshund Drawing-Montage completed!

12"x22", graphite pencil



portrait detail


This montage portrait offers a glimpse into the life of Molly the dachshund. The top two poses represent Molly as what she did best...spending most of her time comfortably snuggled on a cushion or blanket as she snoozed for most of the day. The bottom poses depict Molly in a more lively mood; one at play and the other (full body pose) showing off the look she gave her master as she patiently waited for supper. The larger, more detailed middle pose shows off Molly sporting a sweet expression, all the while still cuddled in a blanket. There is much more emphasis on her big, beautiful eyes and textured nose and the fine details of her soft, short and shinny fur.


Despite the hard work and many, many hours to complete this dog drawing, it is very rewarding for me to be able to bring a little piece of Molly back to her owners. May the love and kindness Molly brought to their lives stay in their hearts forever.

Molly's portrait update

The pencil montage of Molly is coming along nicely. The second darker dog shown on the first image above is Liebe, also a dachshund.
Photos are rather dark due to poor lighting conditions when the photos were taken.