White Bengal Tiger Cub Painting (pastel)

I'm absolutely elated to share that the following artwork is the third "big cat" painting that I've sold in the last 6 months! This blue-eyed Bengal tiger cub was only 5 months old when I met and photographed him at a sanctuary in the eastern State of Maine.  After being featured at a local gallery, "he" will now be heading to his permanent home in Southern Ontario.

To read more about the plight of white tigers and the problems of inbreeding, please visit my website www.colettetheriault.com

"Enthralled"

16"x16"

pastel

Private Collection

Wolf gaze...painting in progress

After working hard to get the eyes to look realistic, I think I am now satisfied with the wolf's gaze. I may go back and do some tweaking but for now, I have to finish that back leg!  

 

Still painting more wolf fur!



On this step the fur on the wolf's back was done in many layers of carefully applied pastel. It is unfortunate that this photo does not capture the detail of the fur accurately. I will attempt to take a better photo for the next update.

 



Mallard Duck Painting in Pastel

Here is my finished female mallard painting:

Title: "Take-Off"

Medium: Pastel

Support: Archival suede board

Size: 19" x 9"

And here's a close up of details:

read more about this duck painting on my website: www.colettetheriault.com

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...

Swan Painting-bird art in progress

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

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.

Great Blue Heron Painting-update

Click image to see full view.

I was able to complete the background today and work a bit more on the bird.

A lesson learned today is to invest in some finger cots as I literaly burned my finger raw from rubbing the sandpaper while doing the background (and even started to bleed). With the finger cots on, I will resist the urge to blend using my finger while also keeping them clean. Now I have to figure out how I am going to blend the pastel to achieve that soft look....

Great Blue Heron Painting wip

Click on image to view full size.

Well I've started yet another wildlife painting so it seems I'm on a roll! The medium is pastel on sandpaper and it is a close-up detail of a great blue heron bird. Sandpaper is awesome for rendering sharp, crisp lines with pastel pencils and blends wonderfuly.

Cow moose painting work in progress

Here's a bit more of the pastel painting of the two cow moose in fall.