(For Illustration Friday: modified clouds)
Another pet portrait, this time with a surrealist flair. The background has already been completed; on the three cats you can still see the underpainting. Doing a fantasy or a surreal painting is a bit like conducting a scavenger hunt to find all the necessary reference. The photos of the 3 cats weren't enough; I also made a small clay model of the cats sitting on the rock, plus I got out a little scrap of paper and made it into a little scroll (under the middle cat). Now I'm working on the rock the cats are sitting on. I can't do rocks out of my head! So that turned into a backyard expedition to find interesting rocks, which I hauled into my studio. They look great sitting next to my potted plant, and I can use them in future paintings.
11 comments:
There is quite a background mental process to painting that I think most non-artists don't realise. It is looking good so far. Although something seems a little off with the left eye (from the viewer's perspective) on the lefthand cat.
Hi Heather, thanks for your comment. Yeah, I do gotta fix that eye... :^)
I thought the wonky eye gave it some extra character! Look forward to seeing the finished work - with the scroll they look like they are on a journey somewhere together, the scroll is like a map.
Oh dear--I suppose you're right about the references....I can't do rocks out of my head either. In fact, I can't do anything out of my head...or rather, the things I do out of my head are so generic compared to the things that I have references for. I really like this picture--even with the cats not finished. Be sure to post it again when it's finished.
I really like the painterly aspect of this piece. It may not seem perfect, as in the cat's eye or something else, but I think thats what gives the painting its charm. The kitties just look so warm and fuzzy!
Beautiful illustration!
LOVE this one! Now I'm wondering if I can get my six cats together for a portrait! :--)
bc
I love both the one of the cats and the one of Waverly. Just fabulous.
Wow! What nice comments. Thanks everyone! I've put it aside in favor of a deadline but it will be posted eventually when it's finished.
Theresa, I just found your blog and what a delight! Love your work. Will be checking back often!
Thanks Rosemary!
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