Floating Leaf painting

Just thought I'd share a little painting that is out of my norm!

I few months ago, I was experimenting with some new pastels and polychromos oil based pencils. I used one of my photographic reference of a floating leaf with  lots of colorful patterned reflections in the water. I was determined to finish this painting in a few hours! Although I did not achieve the results I was envisioning, I am content that I did try a different approach to painting which was to not spend hours and hours working it to perfection.

"Just Floating By"

approx. 5"x7"
pastel and pencil
Available for Purchase 
(contact the artist)

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  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.

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. 

"Swallowtail and Spirea"
(Papilio canadensis) and (Spiraea prunifolia)
pastel
6" x 4"
SOLD

Orange Daylily Painting (pastel)

I've been wanting to work a smaller piece and so was able to complete this one in only one day! I was dying to try my new set of Koh-I-Noor Toison D'Or Extra Soft Pastels and I absolutely loved the smoothness and richness of colors.

Title: "One Day at a Time"
Medium: Pastel
Support: Archival Suede
Size: 7" x 5"

SOLD

To view the step by step work in progress of this botanical painting, please visit my website www.colettetheriault.com

Floral painting update

This morning I kept working the leaves. Thank goodness there are only three but the veining pattern makes it more difficult to move along quickly. Still much more to be done until I am satisfied...

Ontario Trillium painting update

Now I feel as it this floral painting is coming to life! The sunlight partially hitting the trillium plant is starting to appear in this step. It shines on the flower and the leaf thus creating darker shadows that contrast against brighter areas.

Red Trillium pastel painting

Other than animal subjects, I also like to paint and draw flowers. This red trillium is native to Ontario and grows in my garden. The painting is done using soft pastels on green Colorfix sandpaper and measures about 6" x 8".