Ok, it's been a while because new life changes have taken precedence.  Got a summer cold that I've been trying to fight off too.  So wanted to get back in the swing of things, but not in the most creative of mindsets.
So I dug out something that I started quite some time ago and didn't like the way it was progressing, so thought I'm going to finish it.  Yes, I know you all have at least one of these hanging around your art space.  So time to dust it off and learn from it even if it doesn't turn out to be the "masterpiece".
This is in acrylic and am doing this on watercolor canvas.  Size of this piece is 16"x20" which is a good size for me.  Was going to go for the dramatic green-black background but decided to mottle it somewhat to give it more life and sort of make a leaf-like feeling as they do nest in tree tops.  Not sure if you are really seeing it in the second shot, but maybe with more outside light it will appear as it does in real life - not obnoxious but subtle.  Got started with the body modeling using the darker basecoat grays, with blue, green and purples laid in.  Also made sure that the background darks reflected those mixtures as well so that when the light feathers reflect those colors it makes sense.  As you know this bird is white, but much of it is in shadow so where the light is hitting it will really pop.  I am thinking  of making the shadows less dark than the reference, but need to have the base tones in to make the lighter feather work show against the white of the canvas. Hey it's my Egret, right?
Hope to get back to it more this afternoon but now time to make some breakfast.  What is it, "feed and cold and starve a fever"
Thanks for stopping by after this long break and hoping you have a great painting week.

Comments

Alexander said…
Nice to see something again from you. Looks great
September 15, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Log Cabin Studio said…
I think it is looking wonderful !!!
September 15, 2013 at 6:51 PM
hmuxo said…
This is beautiful, Nelvia!!!! I love it! I hope you're feeling better! Summer colds seem to last forever!!
September 16, 2013 at 10:42 AM
Danielle v/d Horst said…
Hello nice to read you again not fine that you have a cold, take rest and heat I find it beautiful that Heron as form you see him come out eral hugs Danielle
September 16, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Nelvia said…
Took a little sabbatical but getting ready to et Re-engaged and hope to post much more regularly. A drawing a day is my goal. Thanks for being patient my friend.
September 17, 2013 at 6:26 PM
Nelvia said…
Hey C , what is the status on the pups, all in loving homes? Been off the usual course so will check both sites to see what you have been up to. Fall yet?
September 17, 2013 at 6:27 PM
Nelvia said…
Hi Hilda. My kudos to you at being Abel to transcend from pastel hands on to brush. My challenge and will persist until I can be competent with the brush. Just love the back lighting on this piece. Will add more color than in the reference. Saw the doctor and got drugs, hate it but need it to break this up. Best to you
September 17, 2013 at 6:32 PM
Nelvia said…
Ah Danielle, just saw your tiger, Coming so well. Missed all, but now hope to get back to being more regular and learning from everyone. Just keep reworking sections of this bird and hope to get him down. Just getting him done with be an accomplishment as he has just been in a corner. Am going to be at your site watching the progress. Bravo.
September 17, 2013 at 6:35 PM
renate said…
Hey sweety:) Just as you said: it's your Egret! But he is beautiful already and am so curious how you will finish it. First: get better and get a rest; your Egret doesn't fly away:)xxx
September 23, 2013 at 6:25 PM
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