Attempt at color correcting!

Still not quite how I like it but much better than the previous posted image. I am having a hard time pulling out some orange as when I do, the image becomes too yellow. Thanks again for looking!

The final stretch...

I can't believe that I am almost there! Usually, I tend to want to work on the main subjects of a painting first and then work on the background/foreground. Many times, I get bored after I completed the animals and want to quit (like what happened with my cow moose pastel) and work on something else. I'm glad I approached this piece as I did, working rather methodically by filling the "canvas" area. Of the whole painting, it is the dried up dead leaves on the ground that is taking me the longest to complete.

Thanks to all who patiently read and comment on my many updates of the squirrel portrait. I feel the end is finally near...

Progress of Squirrel Painting...

Today I was able to complete the remainder of the bark on the larger maple tree. I also started to work on the carpet of fallen leaves which is proving a bit of a challenge due to their small size relative to my pastel chalks. More sharpening is in order to get those fine lines (I don't particularily like the result of pastel pencils on velour as they are too hard and not much color is transfered to the paper). More to come soon, I hope.

P.S. you can click on the image for a larger view.

Painting update of red squirrels

FINALLY! I was able to sit for a bit and start working on this painting again. It feels so good and I can't wait to frame this piece as I already have the mats and frame chosen. I felt like working with blues today so I completed the last of the maple collection buckets. Next I will attempt the tiny little feet of the red squirrel on the bucket before I continue on to the maple bark on the right foreground.

Painting of Red Squirrels-update

Still working on the same area in the background...a bit more done today. I've been busy so trying to devote more time to painting has been futile lately. Hope to get back on this full steam within the next few days.

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...