Friday, March 6, 2009

Progress on Elephant




I am growing quite attached to this elephant - I think that happens when I spend so much time thinking, planning, and then working on a painting.  

The top picture is the second stage of this painting.  (See the 1st stage - the pouring of colors techniquehere.)  Most of the masquing fluid has been removed. I have painted a glaze of Raw Sienna over most of the head, and in some areas a second glaze has been added to deepen the glow of reflected light.

The bottom picture shows how this painting is being developed.  I have chosen to show you just a part of the full painting as it looks rather odd right now with some of it with some detail, some with no detail, and some with shading, some without.  As you can see, the tusk is still masked, as I want it to remain white until I deal with it at the end of this whole process. I am really happy with how the shadows are developing as full of depth, yet still filled with light. I will continue to post this big boy until he is done. As I wait for sections to dry, I am also working on other pieces, so I will post some of them next week as well.

While working on this elephant, trying to create an atmosphere of heat, it occurs to me that our weather could not possibly be further from an African Safari - we have light snow with a big wind which has the temperature at a cool minus 27 degrees Celsius. My husband and I were planning on making a trip to Saskatchewan on Saturday, but I think that will have to wait until the weather cooperates. It is just too cold!

Hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be cuddled in front of the fireplace with a new book and a cup of my favorite tea ... Mighty Leaf's "African Nectar"! 

6 comments:

Kim said...

It's looking great, Mom. Can't wait to see it done, too. It's funny how you develop a 'relationship' with your work sometimes, hey? Does that make it hard to sell a piece because you have to part with a friend?

Unknown said...

Hi Kim,
Well, I suppose that it could make it difficult for some to part with a painting after developing a "relationship" with it, but for me it works a little differently. When someone buys a painting, it is usually because they have connected with it in some way, and it bring brings them joy, contentment or happiness. For me, that is worth the time and effort that I have put into these larger pieces - I feel as though I have somehow made their lives richer and more full. This makes me feel like I am fulfilling my purpose with the ability with which I've been blessed. :-)

Michelle Wiebe said...

This is coming along beautifully! One fringe benefit we all enjoy with your new full time status is frequent updates of your beautiful art!

Cynthia said...

Joanne, I think this one might be my favorite. I'll have to wait until its done to see if it can push Sunflowers out of the top spot. Its looking just beautiful! Can't wait!

Unknown said...

Thanks, Michelle! Syd says he "loves" this elephant - and he usually tells me my art is "nice"... so I know this one is catching his imagination! There is just a lot of elephant to paint, so it is taking more time than most. :-) Hope the end result is worth it!

Unknown said...

Hi Cynthia! From sunflowers to elephants - you are very diverse in your tastes!!! :-) Thanks for stopping by and for the encouragement! Have a wonderful weekend.