Penguin Chicks acrylic portrait of Emperor Penguins

The Chicks
Well finally today I just felt like painting something that was just plain fun.  I tend to multitask and watch a lot of YouTube videos when my hubby feels like watching tv and that usually means sports of some type.  Now, I got to admit I get pretty involved when it is a Duke mens basketball game, but other than that, unless it really counts for something it is just noise.

So I watch videos with one ear bud in and always learn something or get inspired.  Inspiration is what what happened here.  The Art Sherpa painted a penguin family and I thought that looks like so much fun.  Haven't ever painted a penguin or thought about it much to be honest.   I found another reference which included two chicks (I think it must be someone else's because I think they only lay one egg) and since they usually are involved with a big group I took the background penguins and dulled them down by adding the blizzard.   I figure there are a lot of blizzards in the South Pole.    I really wanted their forms to infer the larger group they stay in for warmth, but wanted the primary focus to be on the closest group birds.   I always find their story of existence amazing considering the conditions they live under.

Anyway, in case life gets in the way I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!!

Comments

Joan Tavolott said…
I love this! Penguins are such cute creatures, aren't they? They make me smile. I like the addition of the snow to the painting. Well done. I have a friend who is going to Antartica in February to see them.
December 18, 2018 at 6:56 PM
Helen said…
I really love this one. How did you do the snow? Flicking a toothbrush? or spattering with a brush? or raking a comb? Did you finish the penguins then do the snow after it was dry?
December 18, 2018 at 7:59 PM
Nelvia said…
Will try to reply
December 18, 2018 at 8:14 PM
Nelvia said…
Wow all of a sudden I am able to reply again have to ch do your site and see if I can leave a comment.

I painted the background penguins, then Painted the background in slanting strokes over blank paper and penguins. Then to the garage to splatter really wet paint with a tooth brush, goes everywhere. Back to paint in the foreground penguins. Once they dried back to the garage to splatter again with the toothbrush. I really had a ball painting this one. Got your package and it is under the tree so will tell yiu about it later
December 18, 2018 at 8:18 PM
Nelvia said…
They really are cute, who knew, never thought about painting them., but have a couple more reference shots I think I might try. I can’t imagine going to Antarica voluntarily, but bet they have a trip of a
Lifetime. I think the snow added a lot to this piece, simple but really setting the mood.
December 18, 2018 at 8:21 PM
Sheila said…
Fun and sweet and beautiful Nelvia! I love penguins, and you do have to admire their survival skills. Sounds like you had lots of fun, so we will see more then maybe? LOL. Merry Christmas to you and your sports fan ;) xoxo
December 19, 2018 at 12:32 AM
hmuxo said…
This is really beautiful Nelvia. You can feel the chill with the splatter of the snow. Well done....
December 19, 2018 at 6:56 AM
Mellowood Gallery said…
As I wrote on FB - too cute!. So many people like penguins - even in places where they couldn't live - lol. You did a great job of this and I too like the blizzard effect inspite of the mess. Have a wonderful Christmas Nelvia.
December 19, 2018 at 10:56 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