This is so differcult to draw!

I think this has to be the most challenging thing I've ever tried to draw. I've never so much as drawn a horse before. The stripes constantly confuse the eye, I really have struggled. A while ago I painted a peacock with its tail fanned out, that was simple compared to this. I still haven't got any of the softness of the coat. I intend to finish this, I don't tend to quit easily!

Take a deep breath and paint...

Zebra wip 1
After putting it off for a few days, I got started on my latest gouache painting. I decided to use ochre for the under painting. Getting some paint on to this has made it simpler for my eye, so I'm beginning to be able to look at it without going crossed-eyed. Its really hard to see beyond the stripes. The stripes are obviously very important in giving the zebra contours, but I don't want to overlook the texture and direction of the fur. My aim is to draw the Zebra so its animated, and strokeable.I'm trying to not get over stylised, which is tempting when you've a strong pattern such as these stripes. Anyway less waffle, more painting...

In a moment of madness....

I think it must be the result of the stress of half term, I've decided it would be a good idea to paint a zebra. I make no excuses for griding up the sketch, after several stripes may eyes were confused. I decided in the end best just get painting, sketching was making it even more confusing! Its going to be another gouache painting on A3 paper, these paints are good for correcting mistakes!

Surrey Artists

Just had my work added to this fantastic website, so many talented artists.

http://www.surreyartists.co.uk/aaw/websites/surreyartists/surreyartistshome.htm

The Colourful Fish, finished!

Well, I've finished, just in time for half term! I found this so interesting to paint, plenty of variety to stop me getting bored. The children are from my son's class, this was their class assembly. I didn't include Spencer as he looked a bit grumpy, I think he had stage fright! I'm going to email the children's mums to get a verdict on the final piece....

This is taking forever! I was hoping to be finished today. I tackled the sequins and glittery fabrics today, they took so long.....I'm going to have to say this is mixed media, as I've now had a go at it with pastels too.

Day 4, Small but important...

This may not look much different, but I'm pleased, I have all 4 likenesses, you can click on the picture to enlarge. Now I can get going with all the rest, hopefully it should come together now quite quickly. Only thing I'm uncertain of is the bottom LH corner, I think I may put more weedy crepe paper like the background. Ready to tackle some sparkles now. I've been reading that to achieve brightness of light you use complimentary colours rather than pure white. I'm going to try this in the blue sequined fabric, by adding yellows and oranges to capture the sparkles.