It's now down to the nitty gritty

I took the boys to Kew Gardens today. We are so fortunate to be so close, just a quick bus journey. It's a cheap day out for us, as we get free admission. My eldest son is Autistic and registered on a database for people with special needs. It's a fantastic scheme we get free and discounted prices at a lot of local attractions.Michael loves it there no matter how grumpy he is he always has a lovely chilled day at Kew.

We got back early enough for me to have another go at this. Its now finally getting there, I need to have a go at the hind legs, add whiskers and generally rogue hairs. I still want better definition in the white areas which are still blocky. The paws need more texture too, I also need to give a better feeling of the light source. The reference photo for this commission is a little flat but I think the light appears to coming from the top right corner.

I'm slowly getting some work done...

Busy, busy this week. My boys are on holiday so we are making the most of the fantastic weather. We were up in Richmond park today, in my favourite bit, the Isabella plantation. I'm hopeful we will be getting the first mallard ducklings soon, there were lots of other babies on the pond all very sweet, but I have a soft spot for the mallard ducklings. I managed to wear my boys out in the park so they were happy to chill out after tea, so I seized the chance to get soon work done on this commission. I'm slowly building up the layers of gouache and pastel pencil. I've yet to consider the background, but I think next I will address the paws, then start on this, I want to get some shadow in where he's sat, so I can decide on the final depth of tone for his markings.

Been up North to the beautiful Lake District

We've just returned from a lovely long weekend in the Lake District. I've been there a few times before, as my husband's parents live there. Every time the scenery is just breath taking. I didn't get out and about as much I'd have liked, my boys are good walkers, but won't do mountains. I did get some lovely photos, of animals as well as the scenery, so hope to get round to painting some soon.