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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Photo of the Day and WIP

For today's photo I am using one I took some time ago that I forgot I had. It is a green heron. I have only seen one that one time, but apparently they are around here (unless he was lost). Have you ever seen a green heron?




I am still working on my girl #3 for the Faces in Technicolor class and still am not very happy with her. I have restarted three times now going all the way back to gessoed canvas and resketching the picture. I am having the hardest time getting the paint just the right consistency. It seems to be either too thick and globby or too thin and watery. This is another reminder of practice, practice, practice....

At any rate, here she is as a work in progress. She is definitely not done yet.



I am still trying to do a blind contour every day and here is what I have to show for it today. First I must tell you I attempted this while sitting at the drop-cloth covered dining room table with Miss 2 trying watercolors for the first time and Miss 7 watching to see if she wanted to try this blind contour thing. I used a couple of wooden cats that I have that Miss 2 has fallen in love with and actually I can't find them this morning, but will post what they look like when I do find them and I think I will continue to try to do blind contours with them until I like what I get.



And last, but not least, is my next girl with an edited ear. I really appreciate all the input I received yesterday. I moved the ear in a bit and up a little. I didn't change the eye because that is where it appears in the original picture that I am using as a model. I may have to adjust the chin line and side of the face opposite the ear in order to show the tilt of the head more clearly.

Here she is with her new ear - I feel just like a plastic surgeon...

I like her better and think she may go on the new background I am smooshing from leftover paint from my latest Faces in Technicolor babe.

Here's what that background looks like since my latest addition:



I sent my trade to my friend in Niles and she already received it and sent a very nice email telling me how much she liked it, but I forgot to take pix before sending it off. I'll see if she can take one and send it to me so I can show you what I sent to her.

I read the book she sent to me to the little girls yesterday and they thought it was a really nice story. As a matter of fact, Miss 7 had me cut paper and fold and staple it to make a small book that she could write a story in and illustrate.

Another busy day with the girls today. I think we are going into town to do a bit of grocery shopping and then will pick them up and bring them out here. Their Mom works until 9 pm, so it will be a very long day. I must say, though, I love the time I get to spend with my sweethearts. They grow so fast. I need to treasure each of these days.

I hope you like what you see in today's post and encourage you to leave me your comments/suggestions/critiques as usual.

xoxo

10 comments:

  1. Never seen a green heron, but they sure are cute. He looks small for a heron! You're coming along nicely with both faces. The one that you moved the ear on looks much better to me. Lucky you with the little girls - yes, I'm a tad envious! See you Fri. hugs, nancy

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  2. Well caught with the green heron - we odn't have those in the UK. Your class work looks interesting - and you' look to be doing great.

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  3. Fun to see what you are doing!!!

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  4. I've never seen a green heron. We have blue herons around here in Missouri... Your art work is great! Thanks for always posting some great pictures.

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  5. The heron photograph is definitely at professional level! I love it!!! And it would make a nice reference for drawings too...and plus he's rare!
    With all your sketches, drawings and paintings.... wow it seems like you're multitasking! I am just so impressed ^^ Thanks for your comments again, and glad that you appreciate the steps =)

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  6. What a great shot of the green heron! Admiring your persistence to your girl drawing. As you said, it's all about practice. I'm sure you'll get there.

    Thank you for sharing! ;)

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  7. What a neat bird. I've never seen one. Your sketch looks really nice. I'm thinking this technicolor stuff might be rather difficult. Someday soon I really am going to sit down and do one!

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  8. I've never heard of a green heron! He's cool, but where is all the green? I'm really liking the colors you've used in the hair of your top painting! Moving the ear made a huge difference, and her neck looks the right shape now.

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  9. I never knew there was a green heron. Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Yes, I've seen Green Herons, quite a few on my birding trips and outings locally. They are small herons, only 18 inches tall with short legs. They are very common residents from eastern Colorado up to the Canadian border and south to thru mid Texas to the Gulf coast and east to the Atlantic.

    The green is on their head, an irridescent green/black during breeding season. They're usually solitary, found in a variety of habitasts, but prefers streams, ponds, and marshes with woodland cover; often perches in trees.

    Keep up the good work with your drawing, it's good for hand to eye coordination. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.

    Could it be that those wooden cats have gone home with Miss 2? HAha.

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