I can now share one of the secret commissioned paintings I was working on during late 2010. The client commissioned two pieces and this is the first “Emu”.
I worked really hard to avoid my emu looking like Rod Hull’s Emu (with which I’m sure my British readers are familiar with).
WIP #0 – Pencil lines for Emu
WIP #1 – Lines painted in
WIP #2 – First layers on emu and background
WIP #3 – More layers for background and emu
WIP #4 – More shading and blending, some adjustment to eyelashes – changes to beak meeting forehead and eye shape also required
I’ve been working on this piece for a while now in secret (codename Double R) and now the suprise gift has been given I can share the pictures with you all.
Rub My Belly – a commissioned portrait of Wilbur the cat.
This is the secret commission I was working on from October to before Christmas.
Acrylic on box canvas 20cm x 20cm. 2009. Sold.
Work in Progress
We start with my own cat Flyman showing a lot of interest in this painting of Wilbur – his nemesis who lives next door.
Here I am painting in the outline as the first stage. With small canvas I work on a board on my lap usually with my paints to my side if I can persuade the cat not to lie on them.
Outline completed which acts as a guide. The lines will be repainted at the end.
Couple of coats of base colour for body.
Working on the stripes.
More work on the sripes, light and shade.
Couple of coats on the background.
Background lightened a little to balance with Wilbur.
Pretty much finished just the signature and a couple of details to do.
Work in progress – a commissioned painting of Bonnie and Bess, the client’s two cats.
Acrylic on box canvas 20cm x 20cm.
This is the stage of the painting where it looks horrible and a real mess.
‘ve lost the outline of the features but it was worth it to get the fur right.
The background has changed to a different shade of brown.
The background needs to go a little lighter to get the balance right and the white fur parts need painting. Then just the lines painting back in and finishing touches. A couple more sessions should do it hopefully.