[TerryCurley]

This is what I'm working on right now. It's an 11x14 canvas oil painting.

I put the tiger on the canvas using pastel and red pencil. I'm afraid when I start painting the tiger I'm going to smear her and loss track. I saw on a video by Jason Morgan (Wildlife Artist) that you can spray it with 'Kryon Fixatif' to keep that from happening. I'm going to have to get some of that before I start on painting her. In the mean time I'm working on the background.

Those strips of masking tape are going to be bamboo trees. I'm going to add ground foliage also. Right now it's just the base color that is on there.

 

[chanda95]

This is a very nice start Terry and I know you will pull this off beautifully!

 

[TerryCurley]

I've been painting all morning. I need a break. Going to have lunch and a nap. Then I will probably paint the rings on the bamboo trees -- maybe -- maybe I should wait till the trees are dry.

Here are some pictures I took as I was progressing.

 

[chanda95]

Wow. I am loving this already and can even see a progression of your skills from the last tiger you did!

 

[Bushcraftonfire]

This is looking awesome Terry! I love the distinction from the tiger to the background.. can't wait to see how the color pulls him forward!

D:coool:

 

[cjm1972]

He is looking fierce, nice to see your progress Terry.

 

[Susan Mulno]

Great start Terry!

 

[TerryCurley]

Thank you Carl, Chanda, Susan and David. Please feel free to mention it if you see something that just doesn't sit right. It's the only way for me to improve.

I was looking at the picture online and then I suddenly saw where I went past the tape with the green from the tree and got it on the tiger. I looked at the picture and sure enough...well it was still wet so a little mineral spirits got rid of it. This really points out something Chanda has said more than once....I'm paraphrasing...but she said taking pictures of the work helps her to see problems.....yup I agree...It has happened to me several times now since I've been taking pictures and uploading them.

 

[chanda95]

I don't know WHY that method works Terry but it's the best method I have found so far..second to that method is holding it up in front of a mirror and looking back at it through the mirror. I used to do that all the time pre-digital camera. I guess it's how our mind works..it's like stepping away from it on a personal level..detachment. I think detaching ourselves when we view our work helps us to better see the areas we need to improve...if that makes sense

 

[Liz]

Terry your progress is really showing. Keep up the good work!

 

[cjm1972]

I don't know WHY that method works Terry but it's the best method I have found so far..second to that method is holding it up in front of a mirror and looking back at it through the mirror. I used to do that all the time pre-digital camera. I guess it's how our mind works..it's like stepping away from it on a personal level..detachment. I think detaching ourselves when we view our work helps us to better see the areas we need to improve...if that makes sense

Often I rotate both my drawing and ref photo upside down, the new view reveals inaccuracies in proportions and/or helps me to see differences in value.
Using a mirror is a great way too, as chanda said.

I think when familiar with a subject (e.g. Face right way up), our brain allows/ignores slight differences, it's analysis of the the drawing vs ref photo is cursory.
when presented with the unfamiliar (e.g. Face upside down), It has to process, to a much higher degree, what it is looking at. This in turn means a more detailed analysis of the drawing vs ref photo.

Brains are great, but sometimes we have to trick them into doing what we want.

 

[TerryCurley]

Did some more on the background today.

Carl I watch 'Brain Games' and boy do they point out how your brain can fool you.

Liz thank you. I've been trying to do better.

 

[cjm1972]

Each instalment has me sitting closer to edge of my seat, waiting for the tiger to pounce. Getting quite excited now.

 

[TerryCurley]

Each instalment has me sitting closer to edge of my seat, waiting for the tiger to pounce. Getting quite excited now.

You are so funny. I just hope I don't screw it up.

 

[TerryCurley]

It happened again. I looked at the picture online and saw a whoops. I'll fix it tomorrow.

 

[Bushcraftonfire]

Come on Sis! Get to the tiger.. LOL!

D

 

[TerryCurley]

Well today I plan to start on the tiger. This time I'm going to follow a process Jason Morgan ('Wildlife Artist' on this forum) has on his web site. I know I could never do it as good as he does but if it improves what I can do I'd be happy.

I went to Hobby Lobby and they did not have the fixative for sale and I just don't want to wait to get it in the mail so I'm going start on the tiger today anyway. The fixative is to keep the pastel drawing from smudging when painting. Often I will paint and then it doesn't come out right and I have to remove the paint and viola the drawing is gone along with the paint and I have to wing it. OH well, I've managed without it so far. Next time I order online I'll get some fixative.

The picture of the tiger is going to look awful until the last few layers get put on so I need to warn you that it will. Here's the process I'm going to try to follow. http://www.jasonmorgan.co.uk/how-to-paint-a-tiger.html Wish me luck.

 

[cjm1972]

What a great tutorial, wishing you luck, but sure it's not needed.

 

[Bushcraftonfire]

Terry... I have used women's hairspray in lieu of fixative.. it does work!

D

 

[Susan Mulno]

Terry... I have used women's hairspray in lieu of fixative.. it does work!

D

That's what my art teacher used all the time!