Inquisitive pastel seal under water

                                                                     Inquisitive
                                                                       9"x12"
                                                                       Pastel

Not sure but think this might be Penguin day.  No, this isn't a penguin, couldn't get motivated to do one or anything else.  Not ready to tackle my next project and was just casting about looking for something I could do.

So  made up a quick pastel support using watercolor paper and acrylic inks.  Then once that dried I applied a layer of clear gesso.  For whatever reason clear gesso has a grit to it and it makes it perfect to hold several layers of pastel and makes for a very economical sanded support.  I really liked getting some pastels out of the box that I don't usually work with.  And, think it gives a very under-the-sea appearance.    I am still into color because it is so gray here - no rain today but never have seen the sun yet!!   After 4 or 5 days it gets rather depressing.

This picture actually was inspired by a photo I saw in DC last December, part of the Windland Smith Rice exhibit that recognizes wildlife photographers.


Comments

hmuxo said…
How sweet this little guy is, Nelvia. Love his expression!!!
April 25, 2018 at 10:20 PM
Mellowood Gallery said…
What a charming painting Nelvia and the title is perfect! I really like the colours.
April 26, 2018 at 11:53 AM
Joan Tavolott said…
Wonderful job on him and the background,
April 27, 2018 at 3:10 AM
Sheila said…
Amazing detail in the eyes, and everything else is perfect too Nelvia :) Sweet smile :)
April 27, 2018 at 5:03 AM
Nelvia said…
He just looked like he could take off and start talking to you.
April 27, 2018 at 8:38 AM
Nelvia said…
Thanks Val, never sure how or who is going to keep me company in the art room. I too have a newfound respect now for lime greens
April 27, 2018 at 8:39 AM
Nelvia said…
Thanks Joan, waiting with anticipation for your next posts
April 27, 2018 at 8:40 AM
Nelvia said…
Thanks Sheila, I had fun with the colors in the eyes too
April 27, 2018 at 8:40 AM
Festészetem tükrében said…
Very cute. In the days I saw a report from a famous American painter whose famous ocean images are famous, the amazing surface of the ocean that he transmits. Unfortunately, I do not know his name. Now that's your picture.
September 30, 2018 at 8:38 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Magnolia Blossom acrylic portrait magnolia flowers

Image
Magnolia Blossoms Acrylic 11"x14" “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you're willing to practice, you can do.”   - Bob Ross I thought this was a wonderful quote.  I don't know if it has happened to you, but people say, oh you are so talented.  Not true, couldn't be farther from the truth, although I am sure there are many artists who do possess that something extra, something special.  But for the most part for the rest of us, it is just a matter of studying,  learning your  tools and materials, practicing, and then start to trust your inner self.  I am on a journey to try to find my voice.  Not that I am a late bloomer, but I should have already found it, yes?  I guess what I am really looking for is the way I wish and want to paint.   Not necessarily how I have been doing it. I am pleased with this piece.  Many thanks to Sanne who put this wonderful reference piece up at PMP.  Personally I think Magno...
Read more

DAY 19 Noise

Image
Noise I have noticed, now that we live out of the hard core suburbia, how much we get quiet.  I mean actual quiet, no kids, no dogs, not cars, not motorcycles, no sirens, etc. etc.  How many waves, noise carrying waves, go through our bodies every day.   Phone, radio, tv, fiber optics, microwave, etc. etc.   Can that really be good for us? Anyway, I never know what I am going to get and this was a pretty quick one since I had a big time work day, for me.   But I got some really clean windows - am really ready for Fall, wish the temperature could understand how ready I really am for Fall!!. Thanks much for stopping by.
Read more

Nicolae's GF Laughing Giraffe mixed media portrait

Image
Nicolae's Giraffe Over the years we have decided the places we like to visit and have gone back multiple times.   In this day and age I think it is uncommon that in a hotel environment the workers would have been there 10-35 years.  So friendships develop.   Each of the people we have encountered have made our stays extra special in a variety of ways.   One of the ladies that works the check in desk had a baby last year.   Since we were unable to go in November we just saw her when we were in DC.   He is now 14 months, and in love with giraffes.  She has a yellow and gray nursery decor and I wanted to do a giraffe.   Wasn't sure if it should be the "kiddie" kind, but thought he might outgrow it.   So I decided to do one semi realistic so that he wouldn't outgrow it right away.  Aren't they just the strangest looking animal? I always wish I would keep my mouth shut, because it does worry me when I say I will paint something - it ...
Read more