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Thursday, April 01, 2010

Chocolate~Complete


I've finally completed Chocolate, the Great Dane. I'm just not sure if the background is complete. As this is basically a full length portrait of this dog, I didn't want to create any detail in the background but I had to find a way to ground him. I used various washes of my original palette (FUB, burnt sienna and cobalt blue deep), applying them at different angles to give a faint impression of backdrop and floor. The reference photo showed the light coming from above which didn't leave many shadows and highlights to work with. As I look at this my instincts are telling me I need to bring in a dark value somewhere to make the dog better relate to the background. I'm just not sure where to place it yet. I've printed out a few copies and experimented with different options but I think at this point I need to set Chocolate aside for a few days until I have an epiphany.

8 comments:

Anita said...

Gorgeous, Billie!

Jeanette Jobson said...

This guy has such a plaintive look, he's wonderful.

You've done a marvellous job on this dog. The colouring is beautiful.

Billie Crain said...

Thank you, Anita.:)

Billie Crain said...

Thanks, Jeanette.:) Amazing looking dog and I hope I did him justice.

Diana said...

Love doggie paintings! What an expression he's got. Looks great!

Unknown said...

Billie, it's perfect! Don't change a thing!

Billie Crain said...

I'm happy you like him, Diana.:)

Billie Crain said...

You don't think the bg needs a little sumpthin', sumpthin', Patty? I'm still on the fence about it but thanks for the comment!