Work In Progress

Watch portraits develop on my Easel

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Head Perch Update

Below is the latest on Head Perch oil painting. I have done more work on the bird particularly the eye and I have also modified the hand of the man. I still feel I need to add more to this painting but I will put it aside for now until an idea hits me and I will begin work on finishing the pastel of the horse and rider 'Cutting Edge'.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Update on Head Perch

Below is Head Perch which I have been working on today. I have added more detail to the bird; worked on refining the mans hand, sleeve, collar and neck. I am still not happy with the hand, sleeve or bird! I also need to touch up a few details and I am considering adding a feature to the painting to make it more exciting/interesting!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Work in progress on the easel

I have been working on the painting of the rosella on the mans head today. I have added alot of detail to the bird and also worked on the collar, hand and neck.
I should be able to post a picture photo update tomorrow.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Conscience Pictures

The painting below is an acryllic which needs fish finishing and coral in the forground. I am so used to the workability of oils that I find working in acryllic quite a challenge but I have always wanted to paint an underwater scene so I must persevere. I love the ease with which you can do glazes in acryllic. I have used some gold and silver paint on some of the fish which is exciting I think!!

The picture below is a pastel which I am reworking. I have redone the background in the style of a Harley Brown but I now need to do something with the foreground which suits the rest of the picture. Not the way I normally approach a picture.


The picture below needs the clouds finishing; the water in the forground; and boats silhouetted against the water and sky.


The picture below needs work done on the rosella and mans hand before it is finished. Work is yet to be done on the shirt collar as well.

I have decided to use my blog as motivation to finish a few paintings which have been on the easel for a long time. I am posting them here in their unfinished state and over time you should see them finished one by one.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Testing Blog feed!


The pastel above is one I did a couple of years ago.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Recent Pet Portraits

The other collie portrait cannot be posted yet as the client has not yet seen it.
I have recently completed pastel portraits of collies for two separate clients. The one shown here is 'Clemmie' who sadly passed away last year. It was a tricky commission as limited photos were available because the portrait was a surprise birthday present to the owner from her sister.
Clemmie was an unusual collie having abundant very fluffy fur with a bit of curl.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Steps 1 to 5 to complete portrait of Smoo


Step 5 Face has been completed, whiskers added and more work has been done around the ears to finish them off. The portrait is now complete and is signed. This was not a commission. It was the result of photographing a very cheeky Devon Rex cat who came into our kitchen to enjoy our cats breakfast!! I have since used this portrait alot in my marketing.


Step 4 More detail added to face and the ears are done.


Step 3 More blocking in and fur done on shoulders; extra detail on collar; and more work done on the face.


Step 2 Pastel under colour is begun on eyes neck and collar.


Step 1 Outline is sketched onto colourfix pastel paper.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

IT challenged but getting there!


Just thought I would add a picture to this post to make my page look more interesting. I will have lots more intersting news and 'Whats on the easel' posts as I progress.

First Blog!

Hello! This is my first ever blog and I have very little idea what I am doing. Because this is a test blog I will not say more for now.