Getting the right photo to work from for pets is often challenging. Once I have a good photo and a good drawing, the painting is fairly simple to do. Paint the shapes with the right values and establish the proper edge for the shape. Miskit fur edges that are too hard to paint around, and don't paint any 'fur' hairs until the very end, painting them sparingly only where needed to suggest the softness of the fur. Color choices are not nearly as critical as getting the correct values of lights and darks. In fact, the purple, coral, orange, blues, and teal were fun to use for shadows.
My husband was surprised when I started this painting on Friday night. He asked when I'd get it done. Actual painting time was under three and a half hours, but the drawing and miskiting time took longer than that. If I count the time it took to get the right photos, too, the preparation time before putting paint in my brush is more than double the painting time. For me, the preparation, planning, and drawing are critical for a good painting, and I enjoy all the planning just as much as I love the painting time.
Painting size is approximately 17 x 22", making the cats life size. Happy birthday, MATT!
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16 comments:
What a great birthday present; I'm glad you mentioned the size--it must be very impressive.
I agree it's hard to get photos of pets! I wish I could get some good ones, but I always seem to just miss it!
I'm willing to bet your son will flip when he sees this and I mean that in a good way. I especially like how you handled the white fur.
Can I be adopted by you so that on my birthday you could paint a wonderful piece of my cat Benny?
I would make a wonderful daughter :) I am not moody and I´d just sit and watch you create.
I´d even pay the adoption costs.
Sandy,
Awesome!!! This painting has a lush softness that evokes the subject matter so well what can I say superb,exemplary beyond reproach this has a qualty of grace to it:0)!
The next time you go to explain your technique could you lie maybe not say you painted Duke and Daisy so quickly you say something to the effect this masterpiece was slowly painted over a period of 2 or 3 months with much contemplation
that way I can keep a glimmer of hope alive :0)!!!
Great painting and a great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to MATT lucky bum not only does he get a great painting but he has a even greater Mom!!!!
Superb all the way around.
Sincerely
Paul
P.S. my word verfication is Preater how did it know I'm a Pre-eater:0)!!
He was very surprised and loved the painting. Cynnie, your work is exciting and so artistic. I'll be back to visit again soon.
Paul, it took about a year to gt motivated to paint the pix of these cats - those questions of 'can I do it? will it look like fur? How can 2 cats be in a painting and make the composition work...will the lighting be too hard to correct since the photos were taken at different times? etc etc. So happy it worked out this time.
One fantastic b'day present !
You did a wonderful job, I can imagine how hard it must have been to get a good picture of both cats together.
Beautiful paintings!
Yes, painting under pressure is a good thing! Fantastically furry.
AAM
Amazing as always, Sandy. I read through this again and I am almost SURE this is a watercolor but you also paint in fluid acrylic so I wouldn't rule that out. Could you confirm? What masking fluid do you prefer. I know it's a personal choice. I've like Pebeo in the past and like the pale gray so I can easily see where I have been. But so many artists like Winsor Newton or other brands. You have a wonderful way with masking. I wonder too if you water down the mask at all? I painted a at once...I would NEVER want you to see it! Hahaha. But it did give me the chance to see how difficult an animal can be to paint!
Clive and I have always had cats from when we first married and now have a Burmese Blue and a part Rag Doll. Receiving a full size paintng of them would be astounding and we'd be in awe of your wonderful talent. Can't think what your son will feel that his lovely mum did these for him.
Gorgeous colours and such alive faces and eyes.
Love the kitties! Once again you have created a treasure.
Jan Hay
Absolutely stunning....
Wonderful! I imagine it will be most appreciated. Its beautiful!
What a beautiful painting.
Wow this is great. I love it.
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