Blue Peacock Miniature Painting in pastel...SOLD!

This is the first in a series of three peacock-themed paintings. Since I have the three matching frames, the paintings will have a similar color scheme.

I'm not sure why blogger drastically changes uploaded images, looks like they are color enhanced as this is nowhere near as vivid as my painting looks like in real life... I have a better representation on my website at www.colettetheriault.com

 untitled

4"x3"

pastel

available for purchase

New bird painting in pastel on my easel

I've been working on my newest miniature painting which will be part of a triptych. I am mostly using very sharp pastel pencils for this piece as it only measures 4"x3". It is much more difficult to render fine detail in such a tight space but I do love the challenge of creating these little pieces!

"Crown Jewel"-Indian Blue Peacock Painting

Here he is in all his splendor!
Completing a second smaller painting within 2 weeks is not something I am used to so this is really pleasant and somewhat of a relief. However, I better find another subject to paint as I now have 3 peacock paintings hanging in the house...hope to sell some of them at my upcoming fall show.

Peacock Painting update

Last night I was able to sit and work in this bird painting a little more. The small size makes progression rather quickly so I apologize for the lack of updates.
In the next step, the peacock will be wearing his crown (of feathers).

Peacock mania!!

I have been inspired with peacocks lately...not sure if it is the attraction to the iridescent feathers or small size of the painting! This is yet another pastel on suede (has to be one of my favorite mediums/support), size about 5" x 3".
This time, I started with the background first which seemed to work best for me today. I think I will entitle the painting "Crown Jewel" as it seems fitting since the painting is focused on this peacock's beautifuly crowned head. Watch for the next steps as I "crown" my peacock king!

Pastel Peacock Painting Finished??

In fear of overworking this piece, I decided I best put it aside and leave it for now. I'm tempting to call it done and it may well be so but the urge to rework those blue feathers is making me nuts! I guess the iridescent sheen is getting to me.

Oh well, I'm already thinking of making another peacock painting to match this one since I have 2 small identical frames I can use. Might not be a bad idea to have a pair of them available for sale at my fall show.

Size: 4.5" x 6.5"

Medium: pastel

Support: suede board

Title: "Slim Pickings"

Peacock painting almost done!

This peacock painting is coming along great and I am very happy as to how it is turning out so far. My favorite part has to be the iridescent feathers and how the subtle violet and green shades shine through the blues (albeit hard to tell from this scan).
Only a bit more left to do on the foreground and the bird's foot and it should be ready to frame and hang. One more painting for my upcoming fall show!

Peacock painting update

Living in northern Ontario, we are used to having outrageous weather patterns where one day it may be a balmy 26C only to be faced with a freak snowstorm the next. Therefore, I find it hard to stay indoors when the weather is sunny and warm and especially when there is work to do in the gardens. Today was such a day!

Despite this, I managed to sit and continue to work a little bit on this painting tonight. I've decided it was best for me to tackle the background before I continue on with the peacock's feathers. I tend to do this when one component of the painting is going well as this gives me the confidence to tackle the more challenging elements. Another reason is that the peacock's feathers have a "fluffy" appearance on one side of the neck that needs to be layered over the background.

Small peacock study in pastel

I just love the peacock's intense blue feathers and can't think of any better small piece to work on at the moment. I really needed to work on something that would progress quickly to keep my artistic juices flowing (and from getting bored)!

This bird I photographed at one of the campsites we stayed at last August. Very beautifully feathered, but he was unfortunately a pretty nasty bird which actually ended up attacking me by beating his wings at me and stomping his feet and spurs on my arms and stomach. At least I got a few good shots of him before he beat up on me!

Another day's work...

Mr. Peacock is coming along quite fine. Just a bit more to do and this painting will be almost finished.

You can view the work in progress here:

http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/workinprogess/wipPeacock.php

Peacock painting

I'm just pooped from working all day at this...but love how it is coming along.

Peacock Pastel Painting

For the most current update of the peacock painting, please visit http://www.colettetheriault.com/descriptions/paint1description/Peacock_pastel_painting.php

Peacock pastel painting

Here is a close up of the peacock portrait. The medium used is pastel pencils on grey velour paper.

Wildlife Art On the Easel

Shown here is a "worktable" shot of a pastel painting of a peacock I am presently working on. At times, when I have breaks between commissions, I enjoy creating my own compostitions.

The reference photograph for this portrait was taken at Bell Falls campground during one of our stays a few summers ago.