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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Maine Coon Kitten~WIP

As you can see, I have a ways to go yet. I don't really want to get into too much detail on this one but it won't be as loose as the others. Closeup of the face. Notice the eye color is so similar to a dog's. Btw, I haven't removed the masking yet.

I'm taking a big chance and posting a WIP that's actually still in progress. I don't normally do that. I have no idea if this little guy will turn out to my satisfaction but I couldn't resist posting a quick update. Last week was a busy one for me. Two trips to the printers that take half a day each, shopping to do(and I hate grocery shopping}:( ), getting work ready to deliver to the gallery...blah, blah. Anyway, not much painting went on around here. I had planned to do another dog but I kept coming back to a reference photo of a Maine Coon kitten, submitted by SNAG on WC. Finally I gave in and started painting it. This one won't be as loose as the others. IMO, it demands a bit more detail and time.



Tracey Costescu(see her blog link on my link list!)kindly gave me some pointers on using the masque pen and I've now made friends with the thing. It sure came in handy on this project because Maine Coons have lots of whiskers and an abundance of hair sprouting around their ears. I also noticed as I was painting that Maine Coons have eyes a lot like dog eyes so the timing on this was perfect. I hesitated to use mask on the catchlights in the eyes. I just don't like the results and avoid it whenever possible. However, I knew I'd be spraying water on this as I went along so I had to preserve the lights somehow. While doing the previous several animal paintings I discovered if I paint around the catchlights first, then apply my masking fluid allowing it to extend a tiny bit over the nearby color, I don't get that really hard edge. The masking fluid will lift some color when it's removed so the result is a softer, more natural catchlight.

6 comments:

Krista Hasson said...

Hi Billie, so great to see you doing a WIP, I find once you post a WIP the pressure is on lol, I find I do my best work under pressure, I am sure you will too. This is looking fantastic, I can't wait to see the completed work!
Happy Painting

Billie Crain said...

Yup, Krista...the pressure's on.;D Truth be told, I have posted a few WIPs in the past. Posting a WIP on my blog doesn't seem as scary as starting one on Wetcanvas for some reason. I guess it's because I know more people will be watching for updates on there.

I've been working on my kitten today so he should be done very soon. Thanks for stopping by and your great comment!:)

Jeanette Jobson said...

I love the posture in this cat, he has attitude :) I can see why you chose this.

WIP is a cinch for you as you know watercolour inside out. You inspire me to tackle an animal in watercolour, something I've rarely done.

Billie Crain said...

Thanks, Jeanette! I doubt I'll ever know watercolor inside out, tho. This medium teaches me something new with every painting. It's the most exciting medium I've ever worked with.

I'd love to see you paint a w/c of Tripod. I know you've done him in oils and graphite but I don't recall seeing one in w/c.(?) Whatever critter you chose, I'm sure it would be wonderful. You have a real knack for animals.

perugina said...

Hi Billie!! I must agree with Krista also.. 'the pressure is on alright with a WIP.. i find it stretches me and helps me to grow and to really think the process through.. i am a fledgling watercolourist and have much to learn.
I'm so glad i ventured over tonight (llpm).. your watercolour work is simply stunning. Love the loose style.. something which i would like to try and do more of. This is looking fantastico!!! Such expressive eyes.. almost makes me wanna cry looking into them.
I am going to look forward to following your blog and am including you on my blog roll list!
Thank you for your encouragement by way of your visit - i much admire your work and the knowledge you have in watercolours.

Billie Crain said...

Hello Perugina! It's wonderful to 'see' you again and I'm so happy you're back working at your art. I am most impressed with your latest piece(!)and hope you will continue working. I had visited your blog awhile ago and thought(?)I'd read that you were heading in another direction entirely and wouldn't be pursuing your art anymore. Then I saw you posting on Nick's blog and thought I'd pop over to see what you were up to. Lo and behold, PC problems were the issue. It's good to have you back!

Thank you also for including me on your blog list. I'm very honored! Thank you for your lovely comment on my kitten, too.:) I'm new to this loose style of painting so I'm still feeling my way, so to speak. The kitten is coming along and I'll be posting an update soon.