Hello friends
Some of you may have noticed that towards the end of the 61 day index card challenge, I started getting more than a little antsy, waiting to move on. I was getting impatient to progress with one of the lessons that had popped up in the Nature Studio, which is the new name for Anna Mason's online art school. Anna is still the teacher.
The tutorial to paint a cocker spaniel popped up and I really felt an urge paint it Of course, this was in the middle of the ICAD challenge and it all takes time out of your day so when I found myself ahead on the index card challenge I started on the little spaniel portrait. So it's a spaniel, not the spaniel you were expecting.
I wanted to paint it to the memory of my late mother, who died from Alzheimer's. As a child, she once had a Cocker Spaniel this colour called Rusty. Sadly, Rusty died as a young pup from distemper, but she always remembered him and always loved him. So this one's for you, Mum.
Here's the Ugly Stage {it gets better. You always get an ugly stage to every painting. You just have to work through it}
It's really starting to come to life. One thing I have learned is to. use my mobile phone to take many pictures as each. stage progresses because it helps you learn and also helps you to get a better view of what you've done
Almost there! Just a few final details and careful tweaks to go. At this stage, I have to be very careful not to overwork things and spoil the work I've done.
Oh Deb, he's terrific! I love his eyes and his nose. It's great to see the whole process, my friend. Very clever to take photos along the way. What a sweet rememberance to accompany the memories your dear Mum shared with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you my friend. Yes, taking photographs is a trick I learned in college. It helps to put a fresh eye so you can pick out areas that need altering or more work They say the camera never lies.
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute to Rusty and I am sure your mum would have been delighted. It's a beautiful painting and you've done brilliantly - those eyes and nose are so well done. My mum too had a Cocker Spaniel - one of the blue roan ones . I am struggling to think of his name now. He too, sadly, didn't live into old age as he ran out into the road and was killed by a car.
ReplyDeleteThank you. oh, that is another tragic end. I was always touched by how mum remembered Rusty all her life. Despite his very short time with her, she must have loved him dearly.
DeleteYour spaniel is beautiful, well done, and it's a fabulous tribute to your dear mum. Yes, that ugly stage is there by every painting, but you mastered it so well. Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThank you. I wish I'd learned a long time ago that everything goes through the ugly stage because the amount of work I've thrown in the basket to. thanks to the ugly stage is unbelievable! Have a good week, Valerie, hugs Deb
DeleteIt's a lovely painting and so interesting to see it at all the stages.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue, yes the photographs really help to see any issues that need resolving but also to see the work as it gradually emerges from the page.
DeleteIts a really super painting Debbie and you must be so pleased with it. A great idea to take photos as you progress through the work. A lovely tribute to Rusty and your mum would have loved it. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you Caroline. Yes, I'm well chuffed with it.
DeleteThe spaniel is beautiful, you could buld a business in pet portraiture. It's always amazing how the little dots of white bring eyes to life,
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue. I am a long way off from setting up a business in pet portraiture. I'm sure there would be a demand for it, though. However, next on my agenda is painting a picture of Gwen my English springer spaniel
DeleteFab-u-lous! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! xx
DeleteWell done, Deb. You captured the look in perfection!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeanie
DeleteWhat a very special painting! Well done, Deb!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nellie
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