The Process of Painting a Donkey

Just like my kids when they were toddlers, it's a good thing this donkey is cute or else I would have given up! I thought it would be entertaining for you to see my process. The struggle is real!

So, the beginning: I start most of my work with a grisaille lay in, covering the canvas in a warm, transparent layer of paint, usually a red or orange oxide. Once that is on, I use a low lint paper towel and wipe away the lighter areas of the subject and go over the darker values with more transparent paint. 

A lovely, almost haunting image results. Many artists will continue with transparent layers of paint and build the values while leaving the image more monochromatic.

I went for the "local color" of the donkey in my photo reference, mixing warm and cool grays and darker browns for the fur.

Hmmm, I thought. He looks a little brown. Maybe I should make him grayer...

Now to build in some dimension with values so he looks round and not pasted on. Hmmm, now I think he is too gray.

I like this brownish color better. And the gray shows through because I'm mostly using transparent paint colors. Hmmm...I think his chin is a little weak and the shape of the muzzle is too slopey...

Straightened the slope out; now to develop a sweet, tender eye. It took several renditions until I got the one that shows how darling this boy is. Also, let's make him fuzzier.

A little more work on the background, floor, and the light streaming in. Not feeling satisfied with the difference between the lighter values in the head compared to the dark neck. It kind of looks like "Pin the Head on the Donkey" to me.

Adding some lighter values on the coat and blending the edges below the ear seems to help round out the neck area. I'm trying for an indication of fur without losing interesting brushstrokes.

A little more light here, a little more dark there...a few dots and dashes..."Light in the Stable" 16x20 Oil on canvas $600

I hope you enjoyed coming along with me while I wrestled this cute fellow! Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!!