15x30 SeaLion Painting "Sleeping Giants"

I finished the painting after some morning touch ups yesterday.  I am happy with them and it feels so fulfilling to finally get a painting done that I'd been wanting to do for awhile.

"Sleeping Giants"
15x30
Oil

15x30 Sealion Process- Adding more color and texture and detail

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
It's getting there...

15x30 SeaLion process - Starting to get shapes and shadow built

This is the hardest step of the process for me.  I've painted enough onto the canvas to lose the sketch yet there is no definition.  It just looks like a bunch of sloppy brushstrokes to me.  I have to continually tell myself that this process works in layers and will get better.  This is my peak doubt moment of a painting.  I hope I get used to this part of it because I always feel like tossing it at this stage even though I know it's just the beginning.

Time for a break to go feed the hungry bunnies, drink a cup of hot coffee and refresh my eyes for the next steps...

15x30 Sealion Painting Process- Underpainting and sketch out on canvas

 After doing a grid sketch study, I moved to the canvas and painted my underpainting.  It started out green but I changed it to a bluish purple grey.  (hard to photograph). 

After a few days, I was able to finally set up my lighting better and started on my paint outlines.  I laid the grid out on the painted canvas with white pencil and then sketched out each block with burnt sienna.  My brain still sketches the subject rather than by block but the grid lines helped me refocus often.  This was the scariest part for me.  I am ready to start blocking in.


(as I was sketching the grid lines, I had somehow picked up some pink paint onto the ruler and of course planted itself smack into the canvas but it will be covered)

First Grid Sketch For Large Painting

I have been wanting to paint sealions for a very long time  The CAM Biennual is coming up which motivated me although I don't think I'll get it done before then.

I found this photograph that I took of them and decided to paint it since it would fit the long canvas I want to paint it on.  I sat down late last night and tried my first grid sketch study.  After the second or third box, I was mostly following the photo but I kept feeling myself start to go bigger and then the grid lines would stop me and pull me back.  It was very interesting.   I have always struggled with layered and multiple objects and the grid sketching definitely helped break down the objects into shapes and value so my brain couldn't only see a pile of sleeping sealions.

I have my huge canvas mounted on the easel and a cup of coffee in hand and am fighting the fear of starting such a large canvas.  I am trying to just think about my steps to take just like the smalls.  Just do the underpainting and then sketch it out with burnt sienna and then go for it... (oh, and remember to just have fun!)

Facing Fears

My "Marcela in Dia de los Muertos" portrait will be at the Springfield Mayor's Art show starting October 8th.   I am scared to DEATH, I am just starting with oil painting and there is such amazing art entered. The day of the entries was very hectic and crazy and this painting was the only thing I had ready to go.  I am so scared to show my oil painting so soon but I am hoping so much that people will enjoy it, my friend's niece in El Salvador so beautifully showcases her participation in Dia de los Muertos and I hope that I can relay that in the painting.  I also convinced my mom to submit one of her fabulous pieces as well!! We're planning on going to the open reception Friday at 7! I am so excited to look at all of the amazing artwork! 

COLLAGE OF MY 30 DAYS OF PAINTING

Here is a collage of the artwork I did for the daily challenge.  I missed two days and did a needle felt on one day.