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ENTRY #3 (FINAL)

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 It always amazes me how fast things come together once the intial layer is down. The first layer goes slow because I have to study the photo closely before any brush strokes  go down. Once a pigment is placed it often can't be lifted entirely.  At this point I am focusing on the finishing touches that make Bear who he is. Subtle shading, ear tufts etc. I spend a lot of time trying to get the eyes just right and they can be a source of dissatisfaction but I feel in the end I was able to capture Bear's lovely eyes. And here he is. I have finished "painting Bear" and I hope Wendy finds that the painting speaks to her heart.  ~C
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ENTRY #2

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  Finally, after a few days away I am able to begin the actual painting process. This is always the scariest time for me because I never really know how my pigments will perform. The way they act on my samples isn't necessarily what they will do on the large piece. Every project I work on presents a unique set of concerns and, at times, frustrations. In Bear's case, I decided to go with a deeper, sienna colour than the actual photo I am working from, and this has my head in a spin trying to mentally transpose colours and shades. I am not sure I am having much luck and Bear may end up being a crazy-quilt of reds and golds. For this I apologize in advance Wendy   :( Here's where I am at after about four hours. Now I think I will step away for a while and return with fresh eyes.
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ENTRY #1 ;)

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 Meet l'il Bear. How Sweet is this Little Guy? Bear is a long haired Chihuahua who belongs to Wendy and Tony who live down the street from me. Wendy has provided me with many reference photos to work from but it is interesting how Bear's colouring can vary so much between photos. Initially, it was a dilemma to know which to go with but when Wendy told me that Bear's nick name is "Red" I was able to fine-tune my colour palette. I have laid my sketch out on 12 x 14 inch Arches cold press 150#. In the past I have had problems stretching my paper so I am never really sure if my first attempt will be successful. I am happy to say that in this instance it has done what it is supposed to do. Next step, pick up my brushes and paint! ~C
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