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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

WIP 3 cats (pet portrait, grisaille, underpainting, prints)

(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:

Heather said...

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.

Theresa Taylor Bayer said...

Hi Heather, thanks for your comment. Yeah, I do gotta fix that eye... :^)

Unknown said...

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.

Coreopsis said...

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.

Jennifer Romans-Smith said...

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!

Indigene said...

Beautiful illustration!

Bobbi A. Chukran, Author said...

LOVE this one! Now I'm wondering if I can get my six cats together for a portrait! :--)

bc

Laura Grimes said...

I love both the one of the cats and the one of Waverly. Just fabulous.

Theresa Taylor Bayer said...

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.

Rosemary said...

Theresa, I just found your blog and what a delight! Love your work. Will be checking back often!

Theresa Taylor Bayer said...

Thanks Rosemary!