Saturday, February 2, 2019

Groundhogs, inspiration, and basecoat

Well, I would rather hibernate during this weather myself.   Living the same day over and over like the Groundhog Day movie is certainly how it can feel sometimes, day-to-day living, working...
Even art can be that way, or routine with animals.  Luckily, there are things we can do to Jazz it up a bit!  Lively conversation, study of science and art, creating, and appreciation of nature and the beasties.

Turns out Punxsatawney Phil did NOT see his shadow thus predicting warmer spring temperatures instead of the six more weeks of winter.  I like this enough to think of my model as Phil.

So my Breyer Feb. calendar displays QH Stallion Latigo Dun It, an example of Palomino with “sootiness” or “smutty” factor displayed over the stunning gold Palomino color.
My actual Welsh Cob pony inspiration comes from Pernilla Jobs’ fellow below, and I also love Lesli Kathman’s leg detail photo from Equine Tapestry...   My reference folder contains hundreds of reference photos, and some focus on variations and details within the color range.
So my mixed media pony starts out in thin acrylic layers...cream, ivory, gold, even yellows...

Which I then tone down with creams and light tans.
My goal is to have a light basecoat on which to blend pastels and colored pencil.
At this stage I use makeup sponges or soft brushes to create a smooth surface to apply pigment.

It’s definitely a decent start, better than the gray primer!  Much has been documented and shared about “the ugly phase” while painting a model, and it’s true!  Relax if you hit stages where color is frustrating or you can’t seem to blend or get the effect you are after.  The beauty of paint and pigment is that it is malleable - you can cover, blend, add, remove.  Sometimes our media is a limiting factor, as in opacity or drying time.  Part of Arting is learning what works and what doesn’t, so don’t worry as you start out - just enjoy the process and know it will evolve.  If you need a break, take one!

My challenge with Fohn (Phil!) today was learning how to best hold him and access all the nooks and crannies.  I adore his turned head as well as the sculpt’s mane and tail.  Different tools will allow me
to properly reach areas when using pastels.  I am excited to be playing with color on my pony!


No comments:

Post a Comment