Wendy Ervin Fine Art
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The Process of Painting a Donkey

1/8/2019

 
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. 
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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.
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I went for the "local color" of the donkey in my photo reference, mixing warm and cool grays and darker browns for the fur.
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Hmmm, I thought. He looks a little brown. Maybe I should make him grayer...
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Now to build in some dimension with values so he looks round and not pasted on. Hmmm, now I think he is too gray.
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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...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!
Kathleen
1/9/2019 08:58:46 am

Awesome Wendy! I thoroughly enjoyed being walked through the process! He IS adorable!❤️

Wendy
1/13/2019 04:14:32 pm

Thanks, Kathleen!

Gay Weidkamp
1/9/2019 11:21:42 am

The little donkey turned out perfect....
just like he looked in real life. I really enjoyed viewing the process. I think it's important for your patrons to see how much work goes into a finished painting. Can't wait to see what you paint next.

Wendy
1/13/2019 04:17:02 pm

It’s definitely a process and a challenge to not only produce a representational image, but also to put my own spin on it. I feel that I’m still working towards the latter. Thanks for the great reference photo, Gay!

Robin
1/10/2019 06:23:58 am

He's so cute! Love how light is streaming in the darkness of the stable.

Wendy
1/13/2019 04:18:25 pm

Thank you, Robin! I hadn’t come up with a name until I focused on that stream of light. I’m glad you see it too!

Betty
1/10/2019 12:30:01 pm

I thought he was finished in the 2nd rendition. Good job pushing forward to perfection! I love him...oh, you too!

Wendy
1/13/2019 04:23:44 pm

It’s a funny thing to think a painting is finished only to look at it with fresh eyes and, no, keep trying. Overworking the painting is always a risk. Also, I love you, too!


Comments are closed.

    Hello! My name is Wendy and I am passionate about oil painting! Whether in the studio or out in Mother Nature, I get lost in the experience of capturing on canvas the moment and the feel of what I am painting. I pour my love and energy into every single piece of artwork and I hope it shows! This blog is a place where I can use words to talk about art, painting, life, faith, things that make me laugh, and things that inspire. I love every response, so don't be shy about leaving a comment...

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  • Home
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