Ocelot & Rocks Update #9

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Progress has been pretty slow of late, but there are a few more rocks filled in.  Enjoy!

Happy Flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #8

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

So many rocks, so little time ;)

Happy flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #7

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

The end of summer is always such a busy time of year for me, so I haven't been able to post an update until now.  Working on this piece has given me a new understanding of the saying "What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."  More rocks coming soon!

Until then: Happy Flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #6

Greetings my fine feathered friend!

As promised, here is an update on the rocky background.  I've had to use so many different colors just to make the ones pictured here, which helps keep things interesting.

Happy flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #5

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

The ocelot is finally finished, and now it is time for rocks--and rocks, and more rocks ;)  Thankfully the rocks are many different colors so I won't completely lose my mind doing them.  Stay tuned for an update later this week.

Until then: happy flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #4

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Two things are always guaranteed to occur at my house during the summer: high temperatures and a busy schedule.  But for this week both have been below average so I am finally getting to spend some time at the art table.

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see the premier episode of an incredible new wildlife series called "Big Cat Dynasties."  Now I have been an avid nature program follower for years, but so far this series has the best "up-close-and-personal" footage of felines that I have ever seen.  If you love the big cats as much as I do, then be sure to check it out.

Until next time: Happy Flying!  

Ocelot & Rocks Update #3

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

This update on the ocelot is long overdue.  Thanks for your patience! :)

Happy flying!

Ocelot & Rocks Update #2

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Here's the progress on the ocelot so far.  Moving steadily forward :)

Happy flying!

Ocelot & Rocks update #1

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Here is the latest on the ocelot drawing.  It's slow going, mostly because a certain adorable orange cat wants attention when I'm at the drawing table.  Below is a photo of my furry distraction:

He is impossible to say "no" to, and he knows it ;)

Happy flying!

Mountain lion: Ghost of Rockies

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Here is my latest addition to the "Eyes of the Wild" series! I call it "Ghost of the Rockies."  The eyes were done using colored pencils and the rest is done in graphite.

Stay tuned later this week for an update on the ocelot!

Happy flying!

On the Drawing Board: Ocelot

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Now that the initial drawing is done, I have started to question my sanity about undertaking this project--it is 16x20 inches in size!  But some colored pencil pieces need to be large in order for me to get the detail I desire.  So be prepared for many "work in progress" posts.

Happy flying! 

Season of the Lynx

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Here is my latest colored pencil piece: "Season of the Lynx."  At first I tried to do a background of evergreens but it felt too dull compared to those vibrant yellow eyes.  So I tossed the reference photo aside and had fun :)  In order to achieve this effect I first laid down the darkest values--in this case two different types of green with orange layered over the top in some places.  Using an electric eraser I then lifted some of the color back off.  Then I added the light and medium-value colors over the lifted spots.  In the end I had a background I was happy with, and a very messy table ;) 

This experience was yet another reminder to trust in the inspiration I receive while working on any project.

Happy flying!

On the drawing board: tortoise

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

I admit this tortoise commission has been "slow" to progress, but it is finally getting somewhere ;)  Hope to have the finished product very soon!

Until next time: happy flying!

Snow Leopard finished!

Greetings, my fine feathered friend!

Only a month into the new year and it is proving to be a very busy one for me!  I'm finally getting around to photographing the pieces I have finished.  This one is called "Snow Queen" and is rendered using graphite and Prismacolor pencils.  She is part of my "Eyes of the Wild" series.

Happy flying!