16 June 2005

Painting "Deadfall Diva"

Inspiration hit last night. This is the initial sketch for "Deadfall Diva" 48"x72". I blocked this piece in last night then stepped away to let it settle in.



Note the area around the face...this will be the focal point, so I am working on balancing light and dark as well as the leading lines of the logs.



Beginning to bring in some serious darks. Still working with very thin paint...especially on the logs where I hope for an almost translucent effect.



Still trying to find a balance of value and contrast around the head/focal point. Continuing to work the logs with thin paint letting the brush work define the texture. Time to break for food, though.


Decided to block in the mass of the griz so I can work on balancing the lights and darks overall.



She's coming along...I am blocking in the darks right now, again, with thin paint. As it dries I will come back with highlights and definition.



Playing with some different patterns of logs in the background. This sow and her yearling were haunting the Northwest part of YNP. This painting is based on a day spent watching her and her cub.



One advantage of working fast and thin is that I can move the paint around without getting muddy color ...if I'm careful. Starting to build texture and depth in her coat.



Bringing a little more post-fire growth to Diva's world. Still working on designing the "leading lines" of the deadfall logs.



This is the point where I slow down a LOT. I step back almost every couple of strokes and consider what the piece needs. Time to soften some edges, sharpen others. Look at overall balance...and anatomy.



Detail of the "Diva"...


Finished...