TWO DAYS IN A ROW AND COUNTING

This is an 8x10 and took about 1 1/2 hours. I actually did a paint by number and used rubbing alcohol to "paint" the dry pastel background. Love this approach! Used soft pastels over the dry wash to add detail. Definitely going to do this more often.

ALMOST FINISHED

I have moved the right eye over and am happy now with how it is lined up. I have added lights and darks and now have more of a 3d effect. It is hard to see in the photo, but the highlights are made up of many light colors including pink, blue, lavender and white. Mid tones are pinks, oranges, tans. Darks are blue, purple, green, reddish brown and some black in the very darkest areas. I have only the finest hairs and details to add...and to put a bit of color variation in the light blue background and Mr. Lee will be finis.

ANATOMY OF A DOG PORTRAIT.... SIRIUS-LEE (NO, REALLY !)

I decided to do a portrait from start to finish and document the progress here...this is a commission of a chocolate lab that I am currently working on. First, I choose an appropriate color palette of pastels...

I start by enlarging the picture I am working from, then use it to block in the general shape of the animal. I check and recheck measurements, here. If this preliminary sketch is off, it will be harder to fix it down the road. I have 5 reference photos for this animal, each with a closeup of important parts, such as the nose and/eyes.

I block in the first layer of color, careful not to completely go over the outline sketch. At this point, think paint by number. This is also known as the "UGLY STAGE." (where you would think that this could NOT POSSIBLY turn out to be the likeness of the animal that it will become) Good placement and depth of the eyes is what my goal is. They must resemble two marbles, but be three dimensional and have enough color variation. I put the highlight in for the 3d effect. All other lights go on last.
Then I slowly begin to build layer upon layer of color to get the right shading. I do blend with my little finger and sometimes remove excess pastel with a chamois. At this point I take a step back and measure again. I am finding that the eyes are a bit too close together and will work to widen the space inbetween them without totally redoing them. Also, the head needs to be widened at the widest point, where the ears are the pointiest...

I'll add to this when I have more time....

UNSPOILED

To Dredge or Not to Dredge...

That is NOT the question!

The question is WHEN, and AT WHAT COST to the environment. Read more on the About Hernando Beach Dredge Blog to the right....

This brand new pastel is hanging in the freshly painted lobby of the Hernando Today office...what better spot for the interpretation of such hot a topic! The view is from my good friend's dock (a photo I took from July 4th celebration) looking directly toward the controversial Manuel property in Hernando Beach, hence the title...UNSPOILED. Certainly a word not consistent with local government.

PEACE, LOVE AND ROOF ENVY

Ijust realized that one post in a month and a half is not consistent with the goal of a blogger. I will strive to do better and try to keep up with my friend, Karen. How she writes daily, keeps a house, 3 kids (boys, at that!) and a husband is beyond me!

Girls weekend was amazing...I have the best friends who spoiled me rotten and gave me the best birthday weekend ever. Thanks, girls...love you lots. I will never forget my 40th celebration....up on the roof, down on the beach, jello shots in the kitchen (remind me to share the realization of what the ingredients of gelatin are one of these days...I may never do another one;)!!)dinner out, partying in John's Pass, trying to dance in a much too small hole in the wall bar, having Ants Marching played for me...I KNEW he could do it!!! Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!

A Tribute to LeRoi Moore

LeRoi Moore, saxophone player and founding member of my beloved Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly August 19 after an ATV accident in early July. He was on the road to recovery, or so it was thought, until he flew to be with the band at a concert in LA. I was at the concert at the Ford Ampitheater July 9 and it was a great show, though he certainly was missed. Now his sax is forever silenced and the band will struggle to fill the endless void.....

This is a black and white study of the photo on the DMB website...it just struck me and I had to do it.

MY FIRST POST

SOOOOOO very exciting!

I am working on a few projects including finishing a portrait for a 90 year old woman who can no longer see to finish her own drawing of her grandchild. I hope to be finished by Weds so I can relax and enjoy my 29th birthday Thursday, followed by the annual GIRL'S WEEKEND trip to Madeira Beach. Three days of peace, quiet and plenty to eat and drink. This is our 5th year...a milestone. We bought matching shirts for the occasion ;) Someone say AAAHHHHH........!

I always take lots of pictures for inspiration...have only done one so far...I'm happy with the way he turned out. He reminded me of one of our many boys....