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Monday, April 20, 2015

A EUREKA Moment!!!

The "rejected" Drake

The "new and improved" Drake

I had put this portrait aside for months till I could figure out a way to make all that fluffy hair look natural. Lately, I have been playing with the lifting technique, so I thought I'd try it with this painting. I thoroughly wet the bottom third of the paper, and the left side of the dog's head and neck. Then I splashed on a very dark, almost black mixture. While it was still quite wet, I started lifting some of the pigment, using brushes and paper towel. I LOVE the soft look it gives to his fur. Now I am inspired to re-do this portrait!!! ONWARD ...

                        Thank you for dropping by!

13 comments:

  1. :) Drake looks real fluffy and cute! Big improvement.I agree, fur is not easy! I guess I will have the same problem with my latest painting. :-/

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  2. Excellent. In one gutsy wash you softened the edges and darkened the shadows to get that fluffy, furry truth.

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  3. A Drake, Kathryn , solo le falta ladrar del realismo que has logrado. ..

    Conviene "fundir" con el fondo algunos perfiles para evitar la dureza de estos. Esto se consigue, como explicas, volviendo a humedecer los pigmentos con un pincel de cierta dureza y secándolos un poco con papel fino de toallas o pañuelos. El efecto es más atmosférico y no pierde realismo al integrarse figura y fondo. Saludos

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  4. Genius! The fluffy effect is beautiful! It really is amazing how versatile watercolor is.

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  5. Wow, that really does make a huge difference!! His fur is now lovely and soft and the hard edges have disappeared! Yes, this fur looks so touchable now... And I like the lighter background too. Great job!! :0)

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  6. Drake's fur does look more fluffy! You are brilliant, Miss Kathryn!

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  7. Now Drakes personality shines through!

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  8. Kathryn, it looks wonderful! You are so right, it gives the fur such a soft look...
    Love it!

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  9. Dear Kathryn- He is just gorgeous. Your pet portraits always are amazing. Just goes to show that if a work just seems to need something with time away a solution can present itself. Have a super day. Hugs!

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  10. Oh my!! the softness is stunning!! This is one of my favorites. you've captured his personality and the new technique works perfectly!!!

    and thank you for the kind words. we'll see :0)

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  11. The fur looks soft and fluffy, I'm glad you didn't throw him away , but decided to give him another chance, well done. ! xx

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  12. We love what you did!! We see the fluff! Beautiful!
    love
    tweedles

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