I'm FREE

I'm FREE

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Before I Get Back in the Saddle ...

This reference photo of a pair of greylag geese was generously offered by Gary Jones. I'm sure most of you read Sharon Whitley's wonderful art and hiking blog.  Gary is Sharon's husband. This is her challenge for February.

This was a quickie, to see how difficult it would be to maintain the whites without masking. I didn't think I could maintain the wetness I needed for the entire goose, so I used masking.

I am trying to create the impression of grasses in the snow behind the geese for the background. The colors I am using are aureolin, alizarin crimson and indanthrone blue. I am using the same colors for the geese, with a bit of quin. sienna for the bills and feet.  

Here are both geese with masking.

Local color laid in for both geese. I have darkened the grasses, too, to give an overall pattern and cohesion to the painting.

At this stage, I am darkening the geese, and adding details, and touching up where necessary.

FINALLY, after a month, I feel like painting. That pneumonia really took the wind out of my sails.  I am even going to try a short ride today!!! YAY!!!

Your comments are always welcome!

10 comments:

  1. This is looking excellent so far - can't wait to see it finished!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Glad you are back! I like where you have gone so far with the geese. Thanks for the process pictures and discussion.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad you are feeling better. I know the flu has been bad for people but sounds like you were really much sicker. Love your geese, they are coming great.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sharon Whitley has such an interesting blog with some amazing work. Wonderful reference picture.. This is coming along beautifully, Kathryn!! Adding the darks on the geese makes the painting pop! I look forward to your next post...So glad you're feeling better..!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is looking great! Glad you are feeling better but be sure and still get plenty of rest.

    ReplyDelete
  6. So glad you are feeling back to normal - and are back to painting. This is looking really good! I captured that photo, too, and am thinking about trying it...haven't printed it out yet.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yay! I LOVE the Geese! And back in the saddle too! Well I'm glad you are feeling up to it - it's a good sign. Can't wait to see the finished Geese :0)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Looks very good Kathryn...keep it up! And welcome back, so glad you are feeling well again ! If you go riding , it says it all :-)) xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Kathryn,
    I like this very much. Very rich colour.
    I'm really happy to see your work. Well come back!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Kathryn:) Well thank you so to say! I did want to enter that challenge too, but now I see your gooses....I'm not sure anymore. They are so beautiful!!!
    Glad you are going for a ride again. Enjoy:)

    ReplyDelete