Saturday, February 05, 2011

Prehistoric Gaze-Alligator

Early First Stage


Here's the painting at about 1 hour along. The board had been coated with black gesso. Then a coating of thinned acrylic pthalo blue made it even darker. I'm just figuring out the color variations and the range of values in oil at this point.
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The Finished Painting

Close ups

Oil on 5x7 hardboard.

This is my contribution to the WDE at Wet Canvas...a great site for artists. The reference photo was graciously supplied by Melisa. Thank you, Melisa!

The timelessness of gators is highly intriguing. Their gaze has been cast for millions of years upon this earth...The same gaze as in this painting. I find it all amazing.

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Matthew 3:11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

17 comments:

  1. What a look he has ! well done

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  2. I love gators! I am from Florida...and I have always taken some pride in the fact that these amazing creatures live there right next to US! You are probably tired of hearing this...but there doesn't seem to be anything you can't paint! wonderful job

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  3. Wow Dean, nicely done. You really caught the essence of the gator.

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  4. Gosh Dean. Your work never ceases to amaze me. This is brilliant and that background perfection to hint at prehistoric times.

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  5. What a gator! Love your rendering.

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  6. Wow! Great job on this gator! Nice colors!

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  7. Very nice, Dean. To me, these guys have a devious look...almost like a wolf in sheep's clothing. I think you did an excellent job in painting his rough texture, very craggy and rock-like. Also, love that sinister dark background, well done!

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  8. That is beautifully painted, Dean!You seem to work fast too!

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  9. Thank you, Dominique...Good hearing from you.

    Celeste...Though I've never been to Florida, I am fascinated with gators...from a distance!

    Re: getting tired: I NEVER get tired of hearing it, my friend! Lol!

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  10. Ann...So glad you think so...Thanks.

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  11. Thanks for mentioning that, Sherry. Glad it came across.

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  12. Thank you, Lokelani...Much appreciated!

    Thanks, Hilda!

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  13. Thank you, Angela! It was fun the attempt to capture the gator texture.

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  14. Marie...I try to work fast in order to just get my impression down and force myself to quit before it's overworked.
    Many times, though, I quit too quickly and hurriedly post it, mistakes and all.
    By investing another half hour, the painting would have been much better.
    Gotta remind myself to sometimes slow down.

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  15. The gaze is intriguing, I always wonder what runs on his mind,lovely job!

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  16. hi dean, well done.very interesting subject.the contras and the color,are great. take care ben.

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