2 Big Cats & a Bird...

 "P II" 

 "L II" 

 I was fairly busy on these 2 guys. A little strange for me to work on canvases smaller than usual, but all good fun. I wanted to get back on another Africa theme.. 

Then I got distracted, and at present on the ole easel is the beginnings of a hummingbird. I hope it works out. I hope I do it justice.  

The weather is so very hot, that painting has taken a little back seat. It's the sort of weather to do nothing but melt. I do aim to have the little bird complete in the next few days though. 

On the easel

Working on some smaller paintings. 50 x 50cm. This fella is number one. Next up another leopard, highland cow, elephant and perhaps a stag? All will be for sale on the website.. 

With these hands..

Getting back to basics! Working on a series of anatomical studies. First up, hands! I spent quite sometime concentrating on the background. Building up texture and washes, before stripping areas back. I wanted the painting to appear fairly simplistic with blocks of colour, but all in all there are a lot more layers than would first appear.

Next up, I intend to work on a series of portraits using this style as my foundation. Hopefully the 'block' I have been apparently suffering is coming to an end? :)

Coo IV

Pretty thrilled that this big guy sold on Saatchi. I had almost resigned myself to never getting a sale on Saatchi, due to the serious amount of art on there (I think the term "saturated" is frequently banded about?). Even more thrilled that he will be making his way to Denver, Colorado. The Coos seem to always get a bit of attention, so it's time to get busy and start a new one. 

I also finished Bo some weeks ago and his owner took delivery of the painting. It was particularly poignant, as poor Bo was put to sleep a few days after I completed the painting due to illness. Cracking pooch that I was honoured to paint. 

 In coming weeks I'm going to be working on some oil paintings. Figurative stuff. Portraits and the like. Quite looking forward to getting messy 😊

Jarka

She has arrived, after weeks of waiting on drying times, and building up layers.. "Jarka I" is here. I'm very pleased with the result after quite a few rocky moments. I plan to work on several more portraits of my muse, including some new nudes. Presently researching portrait competitions to enter this piece into. Who knows, luck may be on my side?