In case I didn't state it in my last post on this new painting, I'm still thinking g of making this mostly monochromatic... mostly meaning it will be deeply layered overweigh greys and whites... we shall see if I change my mind, but for now, I started as I intended ... with some undercoats of colour. … Continue reading Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
A few years ago I painted an elephant for my wife, Sawsan. It's her favourite painting. It forced me out of my comfort zone to paint in that style and I've wanted to return to it ever since... plans for finishing a teaching degree, relocation to another country, selling house, moving around, and finally settling … Continue reading A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
Sawsan’s Elephant – She says it’s done!
It's been about three weeks since I touched this painting. Partially because I haven't had as much time to focus on it, and partially due to not being sure what more to add. I still wanted to make the skin more muted and grey, but just couldn't visualize it. Sawsan has been looking at it … Continue reading Sawsan’s Elephant – She says it’s done!
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Building the beast
Ok, so there are a few steps added this time. I got zealous and just worked on it, before taking step pictures. The first thing you might notice since the last photo, is the gradual homogenization of the background. Like the photo, I wanted it to look like a cloudy, foggy, moody thing. There have … Continue reading Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Building the beast
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Pulling the animal out
I now started adding watered down black to show shadows and round out the contours. The effect often pulls forth greater contrasts in the whites previously applied. This is where the self-doubt can take hold and drive me into fits of overthinking. I know what's coming next so i keep pushing on and my excitement … Continue reading Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Pulling the animal out
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – The fun begins
Now I'm attacking the contrast and contours, the background, and foreground all at once... I forget how much this can be fun and how much it tries my patience when working in acrylics. I don't blend on the canvas in the same way I can in oils. I have to layer. It's a long and … Continue reading Sawsan’s Elephant Project – The fun begins
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Adding Contrast
I didn't mention it last post, but I've moved the easel to better lighting to work under. In this picture you might be able to notice that I started adding movement behind the elephant. This is how i feel the contrast builds. I used different whites with a dry brush technique. More to come...
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – A little texturing
Sorry that it might be hard to see in this image, but I added a dry brushing of whites to start the long process ahead. I also widened the head and ears a little more to balance it with the body. The body on the right side was thinned out a little too. More to … Continue reading Sawsan’s Elephant Project – A little texturing
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – A Touch Of Grey
I filled in the grey of the skin and stood back. Some parts still seem off and I think I know what needs to do next... after I let it dry... More to come...
Sawsan’s Elephant Project – Primary Colours
I seem to always have some urge to paint the backgrounds in obvious colours. I knew the end result wouldn't show much, if any at all of these colours, but I needed to know they were there. I also modified the shape of the face, as it seemed a little cartoonishly thin. More to come...
The New Renaissance Mindset 