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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Flea-Bitten Grey ... and a Short Peek at Buddy

I love this photo of Jessica and Misty.

This is the one Jessica wants to have as a portrait.

First, the masking goes on. I'm using Winsor Newton now, and I find it to be a big improvement. It  flows more readily, covers better with a thinner layer, and is removed more easily.
Next, I mix a grey with aureolin, pink and French ultramarine [for its granulating quality]. The pigments are applied w/w to get softness and maximize the granulation effect.

I have done more w/w glazing with the lighter grey, and am also going into a darker grey [quin. burnt orange, quin. violet and indanthrone] to intensify the shadows. The pink of the nose is quin. coral, and the eye has been started with the orange/violet/blue mix, tending to the brown.

I'd like to think Buddy is almost finished, but realistically, I think I am at the halfway mark. He needs more texture in the black, more brightness and depth in the tan ...   I showed the painting to his mom and dad the other day, and they were almost teary [hate to do that, but it is a good sign that the painting captures the subject]. Pat has a good eye when it comes to art, and when I asked her what else she would like done with Buddy's portrait, she requested a background. I'll have to give some thought as to how and what to do with that.



The portrait of the grey is a commission for a "horsey" friend. Jess rents a house on Rhonda's property. Rhonda is my riding instructor, and the woman for whom I painted the two portraits of her dog, Carmella. When Jess saw the portraits, she decided she wanted one of Misty. Misty is what is called a "flea-bitten grey"; she is basically white, with very small speckles of a brownish-grey all though her coat. She and Jess have been together since Jessica was 8 years old [she is now finishing her bachelor's degree at university]. Just as I had finished mounting the sketch of Misty on watercolor paper, Jess sent me a note, asking if I could do her other horse instead. But now, she wants both of them done. Of course, I would love to paint both of them!!!
As always, all your comments are most welcome!

10 comments:

  1. Hi Kathryn, art marketing speak, I tell you my opinion: It is better to make a personal exhibition, not collective, focused information and rating. A collective exhibition scattered attention, is like visiting a museum, information cancels the other.
    It is also important exhibition hall, appreciates or depreciates by location. It can be a foundation or some similar.
    Burn discs with your visual work and send it to the local press and local TV, with a self-interview about what you think, do, and a little personal history.
    All this has helped me.
    Regards, Fernando.

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  2. Buddy is turning out fabulously!!! And can't wait to see Misty!

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  3. They are both moving along so nicely Kathryn, I just love your animal portraits, will be interested to see how you do the background on Buddy.

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  4. So you have got a lot of painting to do...that's good:-) I really love the portrait of Buddy...even if he does look a bit sad. But often dogs have that sad look on their faces don't they ? Keep it up Kathryn...you rock!

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  5. They're both coming along beautifully, Kathryn!
    Buddy is gorgeous already...love that sheen!!

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  6. It's so fun to watch "your work in progress".
    It's amazing to see the portraits come to life!
    Buddy is beautiful!
    love
    tweedles

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  7. Buddy is looking very fine - and I am sure the horse will be a fab portrait too :) xx

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  8. They both look terrific Kathryn! I LOVE Buddy's sweet face, the eyes really make him come alive. And Misty is a beauty! Can't wait to see how she turns out. Good things are happening for you my friend! Huzzah!!!!! :D

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  9. Misty is already starting to look good. You are so patient with your glazing, I am always trying to 'rush it'. Buddy is looking good and I am very interested in the kind of background you will do. Will it be realistic or just shapes and colour suggesting things? I will look forward to the results.

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  10. I think they are both looking good, but Buddy is just awesome!:0)

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