Rhino
20" x 30" watercolor
140 lb. Arches paper
Here you see the next stage of Rhino. I have added the background, creating depth with the purples of the rock and the green of the foliage. This makes him "pop out" and appear lit by the sun. In some of the washes I have added to his body, I have created texture with salt, and with throwing water to make backruns or blooms. This will become more evident as I work further on his skin.
Here is a closeup of his ear so far. I love how the reflected light turned out...
Next step is to begin the long and tedious... but fun, of course... process of adding the bumpy skin texture, starting at his back end, and working toward the front.
I will be away from the easel and this blog next week. Each year, we join with my husband's siblings an spouses for a short vacation. This year we have gone together to rent a cabin on a lake in Lake of the Woods. My husband and I are driving which will take us 2 days each way. I hope to get lots of reference photos taken for future landscape paintings in oils. We always have fun together- lots of laughter, lots of playing of games, and lots of eating good food. I'll be back with more progress on Rhino on the 13th of July.
Till then, I wish all of my American friends a wonderful 4th of July, and I hope all of you who visit this blog are enjoying your summer.
11 comments:
Looking great, Mom! Have fun with the aunties.
Thanks Kim. Hope it will be nice weather! Talk to you when we get back.
Lovin' the progression of this rhino. Splendid, indeed.
Happy vacationing.
Paz
Joanne- I love how you've turned an impossibly large and leathery beast into a character study that makes you feel tenderness towards him.
His hugeness fills the paper but his expression fills the heart.
It's the same sensation I had when I saw King Kong for the first time and felt that he was the only mammal in the movie that I felt any sweetness towards.
This is already a stunning piece and I enjoy reading about the process of watercolors.
Drink in that family vacation and come back refreshed.
Thank you Bonnie for your very kind comments! I have actually become quite fond of Rhino through this process. Up until a certain point, I thought he would drive me insane, and then we turned a corner, and he became a "dear friend"! I am so happy that you see him through the lens of him as a unique and sweet creature! :-) The holiday was great - we just got back tonight, tired but filled with the beauty of this great land and our great family.
Wow, this is coming along beautifully Joanne. This African animal theme you are on is brilliant. You bring so much emotion and powerful grace to these beasts.
Hi Paz!
Rhino is such a beastie!!! How is NYC this summer? Is it really hot?
Hi Vern,
I appreciate your comment more than you know! To tell you the truth, it is almost as if these creatures have a life of their own which comes alive under my brush. I really don't feel like I am the one "controlling" the outcomes on these... and that is very exciting and scary at the same time. I have a few more beasts in mind to paint in this same way, so I guess we shall see what they turn out like as well. :-) Are you having a good summer?
Joanne,
It looks like your off to a beautiful start! Unreal! I hope you're enjoying your summer. I'm almost finished with my pear painting and can't wait to move on to something else at this point. Take care of yourself!
Hi Jean!
I am so happy to hear from you again, and to know that you are working on a painting. I can hardly wait to see it. My summer has been great so far - and the weather is finally warmer (not hot though!). How are you doing? Are you feeling okay now? Hope your summer is fantastic. :-)
Hi Jean!
I am so happy to hear from you again, and to know that you are working on a painting. I can hardly wait to see it. My summer has been great so far - and the weather is finally warmer (not hot though!). How are you doing? Are you feeling okay now? Hope your summer is fantastic. :-)
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