Close ups
Oil on 5x7 hardboard.This is for the WDE at Wet Canvas. The reference photo was supplied by Jean.
Happy New Year, friends! I hope this will be a good one for you. I'm sure the upcoming year will require many, many, wise decisions-both on our part and the government's ...thus the owl.
About this painting...first the panel was coated with a mixture of white and black gesso to make a dark value gray. I made sure to leave plenty of brush stokes, which later will enrich the painting.
Then thinned acrylic pthalo blue and alizarin crimson were applied. Some will peek through in the finished piece. I feel this harmonizes and energizes the painting.
Most all the paint strokes are put on thinly. Some strokes are lightly dragged across the textured primer. This allows the paint to be picked up by the ridges in the gesso...giving a delicate texture to the feathers.
Around the focal point of the eyes, I applied the paint thickly, usually in a single stroke to maintain the feel.
At the moment I'm happy with it. Hope ya'll enjoy it!
Available...Click here to purchase on Etsy.
My Etsy
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
Happy New Year Deano! Talk about 'wise' ...I thought this was an animal portrait of you! You both share that all know gaze. Thanks for sharing your technique, I really find them helpful and it is because of you that I have tried black gesso!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year back at ya, Sheila!
ReplyDeleteDon't let my "wise"look fool you...Lol! I'm quite the opposite.
Glad you tried the black gesso...I really love it!
Hi Dean,
ReplyDeleteJust catching up with your blog and I was just taken with your Eternal Hope is Born image. I also enjoy your others but that one took my breath away.
I missed not having to paint another artist in an exchange. Have you heard of any one doing an exchange.
Happy New Year to you.
haha...Sheila I agree..Dean's "totem" might be the owl, because he does seem such a wise man.
ReplyDeleteDean--everything you paint comes across with strength. I guess it is because you are such a good artist!
Love Hooter Dean! Great Brushwork! Happy and Healthy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGreat brushwork. Strong image. Always appreciate the description/techniques.
ReplyDeleteLa copine à Léo, Choupette serait contente d'admirer cette peinture!!! (sourire)...
ReplyDeleteJ'adore ce regard "chouette" qui me fixe et votre toile est aussi chouette que votre hibou!...
Tous mes voeux renouvelés pour vous.
Bisous
The wise owl indeed Dean! Let's hope all our powerful people use their heads this coming year and may you go from strength to painting strength in 2011. Thank you for telling us about the process - I always learn from you.
ReplyDeleteThe intensity of the stare of this beautiful owl captured my attention, Dean, well done!
ReplyDeleteYou've so perfectly captured that feather fluff, Dean. Well done!!
ReplyDeleteI love this owl, and particularly enjoyed reading about your process.
ReplyDeleteNice work, Dean!