Sunday 13 December 2009

MIXED MEDIA MAX

Close up of Max eye area on finished mixed media artwork to give you an idea of how the varied layers I describe below worked out.
A dear friend who lives in Cromer lost one of her beloved dogs this year and as I knew I had taken photos of them over the past few years, I rummaged through my Iomega stand alone hard drive archives to find a suitable photo to inspire me for a Christmas present painting.

These are the colours I chose for all the pigments showing through Max's fur from pinky/purple skin, to raw sienna and soft grey/blue shadows , the blues/purples in the nose and greens and yellow background.


You will see I have entitled the piece MIXED MEDIA MAX and that is revealing how it emerged


from the initial graphite sketch,



dry watercolour pencils,


then wetting tips of the pencils and adding areas of slightly wet pigment.

This is the final mounted piece I have put into a natural creamy wood square frame.


Seems I did not take photos at some of the more specific stages, particularly as I decided to add Liquitex liquid acrylic white fur marks and when dry go in and redefine the colours. Finally I scrubbed (yes really - brave of me don't you think?) all over with dry white watercolour pencil and in places pink or yellow watercolour pencil and darkened the collar. See sample close up at the top for better detail.
I am sure Anne will recognise her own garden chairs with yellow cushions and climbing plants. Only hopes she thinks it looks like Max and is pleased with the surprise.

12 comments:

Sandy Maudlin said...

What a precious gift!!! You are a very good friend to paint that for her, and I'm sure that she will cherish it forever. Glad you posted the upclose details of the beautiful use of color, too.

debwardart said...

Interesting use of media. The close up of the eye is wonderful; your friend will be delighted.

RH Carpenter said...

Your bravery on this one gave you an excellent result! Beautiful painting for your friend.

cathyswatercolors said...

I think this is lovely. The texture on the fur looks really rich.

Sandra Rowney said...

Clever Joan! Such a brave topic to tackle, the eye says it all. Your friend will be delighted.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

So pleased my doggy portrait effort has been received well - gives me confidence to hand it to Anne.

Robert A Vollrath said...

I paint so slow compared to you.

I find animal much harder to paint than people. Very nice work:)

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DJ said...

Wow, I love your layers...
And the awesome WIP photo with the lovely dog appearing as negative space because you took care of the background first. Pure yumminess!
You honored her beloved angel-baby extremely well, and I want to hear about her reaction to it. She is so blessed to have you as a friend.
Merry Christmas to you & yours.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Hi DJ - delivered yesterday and stayed for lunch and a walk through the woods with her other dogs. Both Anne and Torbian I think were near to tears and it was immediately hung in their lounge between their two special chairs, with a lamp on a coffee table and angel statue below. In other words, pride of place, so I think they liked it!!

DJ said...

How wonderful, Joan!
You must feel like you're on top of the world to bring so much happiness to your friends. Like many artists out there, I believe that art is supposed to touch others, communicate, and connect us. Monetary rewards are only secondary, and is fleeting at that...
Your loving work on this piece is inspired; I'm so glad I found your blog!
Hugs~

Cathy Gatland said...

This is beautifully done, Joan - a touching and tender portrait - what a loving gift for your friend.