Day 11 – What Does Gratitude Feel Like To You?

Thank you to Eliza for sharing what being grateful means to her: "Appreciation. Love. Light. That is what my gratitude challenge is for.Love, light and glitter" The concept of LOVE comes up a lot in the quest for happiness and gratitude. I believe it is more of a feeling than concept. Warm, chills, calm, excitement, … Continue reading Day 11 – What Does Gratitude Feel Like To You?

Day 10 – What Does Gratitude Feel Like To You?

A cozy and deep night sleep; waking up with the sun shinning through the window; a kiss and 'Happy Birthday from my beautiful wife; some birthday wishes from friends and family; and a loving phone call from my amazing daughter... I feel warm and fuzzy inside. I feel strong and able to conquer the day... … Continue reading Day 10 – What Does Gratitude Feel Like To You?

Today Is My Birthday & This Is My Wish For You

I wish you all health and wellness. I wish you all peace and happiness. I wish you all exploration, discovery, play, and creativity. If you will allow me to make a birthday wish for me... I wish that everyone finds, or creates a positive message; something that tells a story of good news, of courage, … Continue reading Today Is My Birthday & This Is My Wish For You

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...