| Author | Content |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
10:30 AM Post #2984709
| When I first saw this image . . . it just jumped out at me and said *Paint Me!!!*
It's a WIP (work in progress) and long way from being done, but I thought I'd share the story and progress with you folks since ya'll are so kind and supportive. And everyone seemed to enjoy the progressive pics on the Little Jamar thread :)
An ape researcher and general wildlife enthusiast that lives down in Australia and works mainly with primates took this original photo. She also takes some really nice wildlife photography of other animals and also does some really wonderful work with helping raise funds for all the above.
I sent her a note telling her how much I liked the photo and would be interested in painting it if she didn't mind. She replied and jokingly said that'd be fine with the stipulation that if I made a ba'zillion dollars off of the painting that I'd agree to donate some to a wildlife charity she supports. I told her about little Jamar and a let her know that I also feel it's important to *give back* to the community and try to do what I can to help.
We discussed a few options and decided that (and I said IF the painting comes out OK) we will make and sell prints and donate the profits to our two favorite wildlife rescue organizations.
So . . . with that agreed upon . . . I had to make a decision as to which medium I'd use for this one. Since the image is rather dark in general, acrylics may be the obvious choice and allow more room for error. However, there is a good deal of lighter areas in the face and mane of the lion that lends to my style of watercolors . . . so after much internal debate, I decided to try this one in watercolor. :)
I know NAP is going to spank me, since I started another painting and it's not one of her awesome images that I said I wanted to paint next. Just hope she don't spank me too hard . . . lol And I'm sure she'll understand why I'm doing this one . . . Plus with winter setting in around here, I'll have more time to play in the paint, so NAP's flowers will be on the easel soon :)
This first image was taken last weekend after several hours of sketching and laying in some of the basic colors . . . I'll add a couple more as it progressed during the week.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
10:31 AM Post #2984711
| . . . laying down some more color . . . getting the background and lower body areas darker . . . 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
10:33 AM Post #2984717
| This one was taken last night . . . after a bit more work was done on the background . . . and starting to work some of the details around the top of the head and face areas . . . 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 09, 2006
10:35 AM Post #2984722
| Ooooh, looking good GD!! my mom just left the room otherwise she would be grabbing the computer trying to shake the painting out. LOL. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
10:39 AM Post #2984733
| lol Pepper :D
Thanks . . . tell her to be careful . . . he hasn't had his breakfast yet ;) |
cach357
Fairhope, AL
(Zone 8b)
December 09, 2006
10:50 AM Post #2984760
| Love it GD! I think it's a great idea to make prints. I think its a great cause. I always love watching the process of water colors - light to dark -because it is the exact opposite of acrylics and oils - dark to light. Every painting of mine starts out looking like some wild abstact or a 3 yr old just started throwing down paint. |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
December 09, 2006
10:56 AM Post #2984777
| Wonderful, GD. He is such a majestic creature you are doing him total justice. How great that you will also be working to make money for wildlife.
Pauline |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
11:02 AM Post #2984793
| lol @ 3 year old :D
Yeah it's like painting in reverse huh? I know what you mean about looking like an abstract at first with acrylics.
Thanks ya'll . . . he's starting to take a little shape . . . but still has a long way to go though. I just hope it turns out good enough to make decent prints from. |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 09, 2006
11:06 AM Post #2984806
| GD, what you REALLY need is a hug! This is a dynamic picture and I certainly understand the magnetic appeal it has. I am sure there will be a long line of us wanting prints of it.
And if and when you want my images, I'm more than happy to share them with you.
I love the way you let us watch your progress. This one is already a winner!
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 09, 2006
11:39 AM Post #2984868
| Well said nap!! |
maidentheshade
Beaumont, TX
December 09, 2006
12:21 PM Post #2984989
| Wow! I can tell what his nose feels like just from your painting GD ! It looks wonderful! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 09, 2006
08:09 PM Post #2986185
| Aww thanks NAP . . . I had a feeling you'd understand :) I still have a few of your images saved and want to try a couple of them with acrylics. I bought some new 16" x 20"canvas board a few days ago that I may use for them (if I can decide which ones to paint) :)
lol Maiden :) Thanks . . . I got a little more done today . . . I may post another pic later. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 10, 2006
09:47 AM Post #2987235
| I had been working from a kind of small version of the original photo (around 400 x 600 pix) and while it was useable, I couldn't see all the fine details that I like to see when working on something like this. The photographer said she would send me a larger file to work from, but for some reason it kept getting bounced back when she e-mailed it to me. So I told her not to worry about it and continued working with what I had.
Well I woke this AM to find a really nice large file waiting for me :) It's much larger ( around 1400 x 2100 pix) and shows every hair and whisker very clear and vividly!!! That is a big help and hopefully I'll be able to get much more detailed with this one than I originally thought. Of course that means it will take a good deal more time to finish, but I love details anyway . . . so it's all good :)
Here's where I left off last night . . . glad I stopped when & where I did before I painted dark colors over some areas that I can see now need to stay light. :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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UniQueTreasures
Beaumont, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 10, 2006
10:29 AM Post #2987331
| GD, He's beautiful! So majestic! You've really brought this big guy to life. I can almost reach out to touch his fur.
Janet |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 10, 2006
12:41 PM Post #2987688
| Just beautiful...and for a great cause! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 10, 2006
09:59 PM Post #2988902
| Looking good GD!! Last good thing from me tonight. lol Just got off work and smell like smoke. Smell it a mile away. We had a luminary walk today and we also had a firepit and i was in charge of the fire while my 2 helpers did smores with other people walking thru. Lots of fun but am now tired. Been working since 7am. UGH> |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 12, 2006
12:19 PM Post #2993074
| lol Pepper . . . well look at it this way . . . at least you were able to stay warm :D
Thanks ya'll . . . there's still a long way to go before you can pet him though ;)
Here's the latest update . . .
This session was done after receiving the larger and much more detailed version of the original photo. It included revisiting the background to blend, soften and lighten up some of the darker areas a bit. Then I started doing a bit more detail work around the muzzle and chin areas. Next I work in some of shading around the lower parts of the mane below the chin to get some depth going there. More details and blending will need to be done there and I'll soon remove the frisket I have on some of the larger whiskers and blend them in. (You may can see the darker lines where the paint builds up on the frisket over the whiskers now)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
December 12, 2006
12:37 PM Post #2993096
| I am glad you lightened that up, it was getting too dark. He looks more alive now. What kind of a frisket are you using? I am assuming you are using it as a mask, I know there is more than one meaning for frisket. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 12, 2006
12:44 PM Post #2993114
| Yeah it was a tad dark back there . . . but I tend to lay down a little extra color in areas and then come back and lift some off once it dries good. Not sure why I do it that way, but it seems to be a habit I've developed . . . lol
Yes, it's the Incredible White Mask - liquid frisket. I don't often use it but it does come in handy for stuff like these whiskers where I need to blend *behind* them and leave them white - or near white. I don't really like the hard lines it leaves and sometimes it's a pain to remove (if I leave it on the paper too long) but it does make painting the background of areas easier. |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
December 12, 2006
03:14 PM Post #2993472
| Since I don't paint I never use a mask in that way, but I do use wax as one on clay at times. |
aspengirl
Alpharetta, GA
December 13, 2006
07:31 PM Post #2996839
| What a beautiful picture! Such a likeness! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 13, 2006
08:44 PM Post #2997039
| My mom was DROOLING over this again GD. LOL. The further along you get the more excited she gets. She just goes nuts. lol |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 13, 2006
10:42 PM Post #2997373
| Finally had some time to poke around the forums tonight and look what I found...GD with another watercolor of a big cat!! absolutely magnificent!! GD, you never cease to amaze :0) I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with one of Nancy's (nap) wonderful flower photos, but you know watercolor is my first love and the big cats are a passion of mine. Prints are a wonderful idea.
gram |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 14, 2006
03:18 PM Post #2999060
| That makes sense Zen . . . I haven't messed with much clay, but I can see how that would help.
Thanks Aspen & Gram . . . yeah I'm kinda in your corner there . . . always been a big cat admirer and of course watercolor is my first love too ;)
lol Pepper . . . well tell her it's get'n closer . . . I've put in several more hours and I've about gotten to the point of tiny brush work from here on out (for the most part). There's still a bit of blending and adjusting to be done on the background and where the fur meets the background, but that's going to be done next to last.
I'm not really happy with the way my camera is picking up some colors more than it should and making it look a bit different than it actually appears to the naked eye, but that's always a pain . . . lol
Here's the latest update . . . I still haven't removed the frisket, but will likely be ready to do that soon as I get the muzzle area shaded and blended a little better.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 14, 2006
04:13 PM Post #2999149
| Looking really good GD!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 16, 2006
10:44 AM Post #3003718
| Thanks Pepper . . . I got a little more done yesterday and I messed with the settings on my camera a little for this one. I think the colors are a little closer to true than they were on the last update. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 16, 2006
11:12 AM Post #3003768
| I cannot stop looking at this picture! It is powerful, GD! |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
December 16, 2006
12:02 PM Post #3003888
| GD, he looks so fantastic...you do have a great talent for the big cats! |
ginger749
Gold Coast
Australia
December 16, 2006
01:14 PM Post #3004025
|
| Quoted: | I sent her a note telling her how much I liked the photo and would be interested in painting it if she didn't mind. She replied and jokingly said that'd be fine with the stipulation that if I made a ba'zillion dollars off of the painting that I'd agree to donate some to a wildlife charity she supports. I told her about little Jamar and a let her know that I also feel it's important to *give back* to the community and try to do what I can to help.
|
I like the story at The start,
On how this whole thing got started.
Looking forwards to seeing it finished and hanging in a Gallery.
Keep up the good work GD_Rankin.
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southernOhio
Proctorville, OH
(Zone 5b)
December 16, 2006
04:09 PM Post #3004546
| I love sketching cats, cuz their noses seem backwards to the rest of the animal kingdom! (at least in my mind) Yours is beautiful! And it does jump out at ya! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 16, 2006
07:44 PM Post #3004941
| Thanks ya'll . . . it's finally reaching the point - that "over the hump" stage - where it's starting to feel like a painting . . . vs just a bunch of colors thrown together. It almost always seems to work that way . . . Anytime I take on something realistic looking, I have to keep reminding myself that it's *just a painting* and while I want it to look as close to the photo as I can get it . . . it still needs to look like a painting. (At least in person - photos can be decieving sometimes)
I start out thinking a new painting like this one is going to be a nice project and a challenge to tackle, but always have it in my head that if I keep plodding away it will eventually take shape. Then it will just be a matter of fine tuning things and working on the details. This is where all the tiny brush work begins and there is not a lot of visible differences from session to the next.
One thing I've learned about watercolor that I never used to even try is that you can actually *move* the paint around a bit. Nothing major really, but if I find something a tad out of place or a little darker in an area than I intended, I can revisit that area and usually *push* or even lift some of the paint. In the case of this lion . . . that techinque will come in handy when I start hitting the fine detail areas in the mane where I needed to make the hair behind highlighted areas darker and shaded. I know I can't get it pure white once I lay down a dark color, but I can lift the dark pigment and leave some highlights.
Just thought I'd mention that for anyone out there that may be new to working with watercolors . . . don't be afraid to experiment a little and forget about the boundries now and then ;)
Thanks again for all the kind words everyone . . . it's nice to know that folks appreciate all that goes into something like this :) I'll post another photo when there are some obvious changes.
Here's a better look at the original and the painting (as it is now) side by side . . . as you can see I still have a LOT of work to do.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 16, 2006
08:53 PM Post #3005084
| G_D, he's looking like the king of the beasts, for sure! an amazing creature and you are capturing him. love to watch...gram |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 16, 2006
09:09 PM Post #3005127
| Soon it will be difficult to tell which is which! |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
December 17, 2006
10:44 AM Post #3006163
| Your ability with watercolor continues to amaze me. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 19, 2006
08:39 AM Post #3010705
| Thanks ya'll :)
I hope you're right Nancy . . . but that's gonna take a bit more time and some fancy foot work with the 2/0 brush ;) |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 26, 2006
02:13 PM Post #3026266
| Getting a little closer . . . but still a ways to go.
Since it rained for a couple days in a row here . . . I was able to put in a few more hours over the long weekend between all the Christmas cheer :D I got more of the detail work done around the face and mane and removed the frisket from the whiskers and blended them in a bit. Still plenty left to do, but it's come'n along.
Just thought I'd post an update to show where he is now. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and ya'll have a safe and Happy New Year :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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judycooksey
Pocahontas, TN
(Zone 7b)
December 26, 2006
02:33 PM Post #3026317
| Your painting is amazing and the fact that you created this thread to share your creative process is truly appreciated.
Judy |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 26, 2006
05:15 PM Post #3026642
| Thanks for the comments . . . glad ya enjoy watch'n :) |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 26, 2006
08:06 PM Post #3026945
| Hi GD!! Hope you had a great Christmas!! Judy said it best about your painting. It is flat out amazing!!! |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 26, 2006
08:14 PM Post #3026970
| Yeah...what she said!...(what did she say? Flat out amazing?? ) |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
December 26, 2006
08:15 PM Post #3026973
| LOL Nap!! |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 26, 2006
08:24 PM Post #3026982
| Joey! You're so cute! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 26, 2006
09:18 PM Post #3027100
| lol Thanks ya'll :)
Hey wait . . . I'm confused now . . . who's Joey?
Here's a progressive flow I put together the other day (before the latest photo was taken) to give a side-by-side view of how I worked this one.
Edit to add . . .
I thought it might be interesting to show the different stages of this painting all in one image. Obviously the upper left frame shows the original photo that I am working from followed by the sketch then the painting begins.
First I like to get the eyes in place and do a light wash of the background to surround the subject. Then I start to lay down some of the basic colors that will serve as the undertones for later brush work. Next I start working the mid tones all around the subject. Then I like to get the basic background in place to give it a little more depth.
At that point I'm ready to begin the final stages . . . the detail work and blending. That's where it was in the last photo in this image . . . It was the next stage that I removed the frisket (masking fluid) I had over a couple of the whiskers. Next they were tinted and blended into the background areas behind them. (Which can be seen in the image I posted eariler today)
I still have plenty of detail work to do around the mane to get that *fuzzy* look it needs. And there are still a few areas that need some additional shading and blending, but it's getting closer.
The progressive photos of the painting were taken under different lighting conditions, so there are slight differences in the hues and tones, but this should give the general idea of how I approach a painting like this. Hope that makes sense?
This message was edited Dec 26, 2006 10:02 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Pagancat
(Sheryl) Gainesboro, TN
(Zone 6b)
December 26, 2006
09:26 PM Post #3027115
| LOL= a man of many talents! Good to see you hanging out. |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 26, 2006
09:44 PM Post #3027142
| Oh my goodness! I thought that comment was from Joey! I'm sorry, pepper23 from KC! You are not Joey! (But that WAS a darn cute thing to say anyway!) |
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
December 26, 2006
09:58 PM Post #3027158
| GD,
your gift is constantly inspiring! thanks a million for sharing! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 26, 2006
10:44 PM Post #3027247
| *grins* Nap . . . I thought I missed something there :)
Thanks ya'll . . . and you're welcome Tir . . . glad ya'll get something out of the thread. That reminds me . . . I should have mentioned a few things about that last image. I'll go back and edit that post to explain a few things :)
|
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
December 27, 2006
08:11 AM Post #3027689
| The progression shows just how amazing it really is.
(I just have to learn how to make a multi image post. I have to sit down and work on it till I get it.)
p.s. Who is Joey?
This message was edited Dec 27, 2006 7:12 AM |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
December 27, 2006
02:23 PM Post #3028530
| Gary Rankin, if there was any way I could afford you, I'd have you paint me a watercolor of a big cat. You are absolutely amazing. I love all your work, but the cats blow me away. Hope you had a grrrrrreat Christmas. gram |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
December 27, 2006
07:21 PM Post #3029204
| Thanks Zen . . . I'm still wonder'n who that is myself :D lol
Re: multi image post . . . I just put them together in my paint program and save as a new file.
Thank you kindly Gram and yeah . . . Christmas was nice . . . lots of good food and family time :)
I'm honored that you'd even want one . . . that means a lot :)
Thanks again ya'll |
Equilibrium
January 05, 2007
01:09 PM Post #3055773
| Magnificent! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 06, 2007
02:31 PM Post #3059125
| Thanks Equilibrium :)
Here's a little update . . . I had to put this one on hold for a bit over the holidays with all that goes on with family and all.
Finally getting to put in some quality time with the brushes again. I'm not sure there is much visible difference at this stage, but I thought I'd share a fresh pic anyway. He's not done yet, but he's get'n closer. :)
Hope everyone had a safe and happy new years :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 06, 2007
02:58 PM Post #3059186
| He's close, isn't he? He's so beautiful. You're amazing. GD. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 06, 2007
04:41 PM Post #3059421
| Looking real good. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 06, 2007
08:29 PM Post #3060167
| Thanks ya'll . . . yeah . . . won't be much longer now . . . I hope anyway . . . lol
I just realized how dark that photo makes it look. It's not nearly that dark in person. I'll have to adjust the next one so it looks closer to the real thing. :) |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 06, 2007
10:06 PM Post #3060521
| Absolutely magnificent, Gary...such an awesome power in those eyes.
Ya know, I do love the eyes and I always start my sketches with them and then work around them. lol, they seem to watch you as the composition takes form... Thanks for sharing... :)
Melanie |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 06, 2007
11:54 PM Post #3060893
| Yeah . . . that always works best for me too. It seems like it helps me keep everything in focus better or something ;)
Thanks for the kind words TxT :) |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 07, 2007
10:47 PM Post #3063834
| Anytime.. ;) |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
January 08, 2007
08:01 AM Post #3064438
| I use that as well. I wonder if most people start with the eyes. |
2vernes
Blytheville, AR
(Zone 7a)
January 08, 2007
11:46 AM Post #3065002
| I do pet portraits in oil and I like to start with the eyes. They're the most fun part. Brings the painting to life. I have enjoyed watching the progression of your King of the Beasts and am amazed at the beauty. I may not say much but sure have been looking. Please continue with more eye candy. Love it. Sheverne |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 09, 2007
07:02 PM Post #3069189
| I know you have said there is a lot more work to be done on this piece... but most people in the world wouldn't know that it isn't already finished it looks so good. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 12, 2007
01:36 AM Post #3076091
| Thanks Nada and Sheverne . . . I hope these last few updates show some progress anyway. It's at that stage where most of the changes are subtle and not as drastic as the earlier ones. None the less, here's another.
I had some better light and was able to get a little bit better photo this time too. The mane is the main area of focus at this point. There's tons of tiny hairs that cross over the shaded areas and getting the depth right is a bit of a trick - without over doing it. I could probably call this one *done* but I'd never be happy with it if I did. I still have a few areas that need additional shading and highlights in the mane and chest areas. Hopefully the next image I post will be the finished piece. :)
Thanks again for all the kind words and encourgement.
GD
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 12, 2007
08:04 AM Post #3076299
| Truly a magnificent piece! I am in awe. If I hadn't seen you create it, I would have thought it was an enlargement of the original. You are amazing. Bravo! |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 12, 2007
01:38 PM Post #3077162
| I'd swear I saw him breathe. Wonderful GD!! |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 12, 2007
05:24 PM Post #3077749
| beautiful... :) |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 12, 2007
07:59 PM Post #3078226
| Gram, now you have me seeing him sucking in a big ole breath! LOL |
frostweed
Josephine, Arlington, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 18, 2007
10:43 AM Post #3096512
| GD!!! that is gorgeous!!!! You are so good, it is amazing. By the way, cats are my favorite animals.
Josephine. |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 18, 2007
05:51 PM Post #3097829
| Isn't it some kind of wonderful work, Josephine? :) |
frostweed
Josephine, Arlington, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 18, 2007
06:19 PM Post #3097898
| Yes it is!!! GD should be making big bucks, and I hope he is, he deserves it.
Josephine. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 18, 2007
08:04 PM Post #3098158
| GD's work is definitely amazing!!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 19, 2007
05:50 PM Post #3101254
| lol Gram & Pepper . . . ya'll did huh? @ saw him breath? :))
*grins* Josephine . . . I like the way you think ;) Big bucks would be nice :)
Ya'll are too sweet . . . thanks everyone for the kind words.
Ok I know I know . . . I should be done with this by now . . . but hey, I'm pokey over here at times . . . lol
Actually I've spent way too much time on this one, unless I get to charge by the hour :D Naaa . . . all kid'n aside, I'm wanting to get this one pretty close to the original since I'm hope'n to make some prints from it to use for animal shelter fund raisers. Annnnnddddddddddddd . . . since I've never had (professional) prints made from one of my paintings, I'm try'n to make sure I get all the hard lines softened and colors blended as well as I can.
It's pretty close though . . . I've got just a few more little areas I need to work on and then I'll add the whiskers and call it a day on this one. I'm think'n TX and probably a few others want to pinch me (for not know'n when to put the brushes down) but but but . . . I ummmmm well :D I just can't ;)
lol
here's what it looks like today . . . sit'n on the kitchen counter using the door for light since it's mist'n rain and I can't take it outside to get a better photo.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 19, 2007
08:23 PM Post #3101677
| LOL. GD, hurry up and put those brushes down. You're killing us here!!! |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 19, 2007
10:21 PM Post #3102044
| *pinch* lol...naww...you'll know it...when ya know it. ;) (Tho I still have yet to realize it :) |
cach357
Fairhope, AL
(Zone 8b)
January 20, 2007
08:34 AM Post #3102799
| GD! - Art police here: Sign that painting! Slowly now, step away from the painting, keep your brushes in the air where we can see them, slowly, slowly, now place them on the ground in front of you. Now kick them over to us. This time we will let you go with a warning. Next time, you won't be so lucky, you'll lose your rights to operate a brush and suspended from all artistic endeavors until the Art Court sees fit. |
Equilibrium
January 20, 2007
09:21 AM Post #3102908
| Are you familiar with the works of the likes of Robert Bateman, Eric Wilson, Leon Parson, Robert McNamara, Mary Ellen Connelly, Guy Coheleach, Charles Frace, David N. Kitler, Beatrice Bork, Dick van Heerde, Ken Stroud, Carl Brenders, Eleazar Saenz, Peter Gray, Ulco Glimmerveen, Tony Forrest, William Olaf Berge, Edward Aldrich, Laura Mark Finberg, David Shepherd, Lindsey Foggett, John Seerey-Lester, Joni Johnson-Godsy?
Me thinks you be in their league! Sign your work!
Now for comparison sake-
http://www.natureartists.com/artists/artist_artwork.asp?Arti...
http://www.natureartists.com/renata_bruynzeel.asp
http://www.natureartists.com/theresa_eichler.asp
http://www.natureartists.com/artists/artist_artwork.asp?Arti...
http://www.natureartists.com/diane_querry.asp
http://www.natureartists.com/artists/artist_artwork.asp?Arti...
You're better.
My husband and I try to buy works of wildlife artists that appeal to us when we can afford to do so. Unfortunately, with kids and all, we haven't been able to afford to do so lately but we sure can spot the rising stars.
editing to add another link above.
This message was edited Jan 20, 2007 8:46 AM |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
January 20, 2007
09:26 AM Post #3102928
| The latest is beautiful and the kitchen makes for good background colors. |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 21, 2007
07:02 AM Post #3105559
| cach357...perfect! you have said it all!! ROTFLMBO but when all is said and done, the artist will 'know' when the painting is finished, I guess.
GD, I think this is my favorite of all. I love Jamar, but the majesty of a full-grown male lion is like nothing else, and you have captured it, without a doubt!
gram ~a girl~ |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 21, 2007
06:22 PM Post #3108152
| I have to agree... GD's stuff is better than most of those.. (ok I like one better but not because it is done better... I just like the pic).
GD is definatly in their league. |
southernOhio
Proctorville, OH
(Zone 5b)
January 21, 2007
08:43 PM Post #3108624
| Awesome, & Awesomer... |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
 January 22, 2007
10:00 AM Post #3110057
| GD, Those renderings equibrium posted are beautiful representations, but yours is reality, a lion in the flesh (or fur). |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 22, 2007
09:02 PM Post #3112218
| Hey, that's a good one Balvenie!!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 24, 2007
07:49 AM Post #3116586
| lmbo @ Art Police :D :D :D too funny :D
Well cach357 . . . I probably should have logged in and read that a few days ago. However, I had company over that day watching the NFL Playoffs and missed it. I did manage to put in a few more hours on the painting since then and think I can officially call it finished now.
lol TX yeah . . . that's always a tricky thing huh? I just chalk it up to *learning* - being self taught has it's advantages - plenty of built-in excuses ;) :D
Equilibrium . . . that's always been a dream of mine, to be able to paint like the likes of Bateman and some of the others you mentioned. I'm honored that you'd consider my work "in their league", but I have a long way to go before I can make that claim. I have to be honest and admit that I'm not familiar with some of the other names you mentioned, but if they're like Bateman and Bork I'm sure they are top-shelf artists.
I checked out those links you added and even though I have been to that site before (it's been a while) I don't think I ever noticed any of those artist work. Some very nice stuff there . . . thanks for share'n.
Gram . . . you're right . . . I just would not have been satisfied leaving a few areas "unfinished" on this one. I'm glad I was not up against a deadline with this one - like I was with Little Jamar. There were a couple of things that I may have done differently or "fine-tuned" on that one, if I would have had more time. Art is one of those things that ya just can't rush, at least not for me. PS. I'm like'n this one more too ;)
Balvenie, I agree . . . those are very nice pieces and I think you hit on a good point. I don't think all of those are intended to be "photorealism" so to speak. So it's a bit different in many ways. I posted a pic of a horse I painted on here (thread about using Frisket) that was more along the lines of some of those on the links - not photorealism - and while I enjoy painting that style . . . it's a lot different, at least it is for me. I got tickled at my mom (who knows very little about art) when she was telling my brother and his wife about that horse painting. I overheard her say, ". . . and this one is neat, but I don't think he's finished with it yet." . . . She's so used to me try'n to make them look *real* that she automatically assumed that one wasn't done yet. lol :D
Thanks Pepper, Nada, Southern and Zen . . . Ya'll are all too kind :) The colors in the kitchen do work with this one huh? hmmmmm maybe frame / mat color ideas there? :)
Well hopefully the sun will be back out in a day or two and I can get a really good image of this one to share with ya'll. The lighting out in full sun seems to be the only way I can capture the true colors on this piece with my little camera for some reason. Maybe it's because it's darker than most of the watercolors I do . . . or maybe just the combo of colors used . . . or maybe I just need a better camera? lol
Either way, I'll see if I can get a decent photo today to post until the sun decides to visit us again.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 24, 2007
01:19 PM Post #3117667
| Well I can't get a photo I'm real pleased with yet, but I thought I'd post what I have for ya'll to see. It's raining here now and expected to continue for a while. Meanwhile, I thought I'd start kicking around mat color ideas. I've changed it (on the PC) 15 times and still can't decide what combo I like best. Here's a light cream colored mat with a burnt orange accent in a black frame . . . see what ya'll think?
I'll get a better photo of the painting when the sun decided to come back out - hopefully later this week. :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 24, 2007
01:30 PM Post #3117713
| GW, He's marvelous ! As to matting, I'd go with a much wider darker cream . The burnt orange goes well. Do you think a wider frame would be appropriate ? |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 24, 2007
01:59 PM Post #3117840
| Thanks :) The photo makes him look duller and darker than he really is, but if I try to lighten it on the PC . . . other areas change too, so I'll just wait for the sun and get a better one posted soon.
Yeah I was thinking of making the frame a bit wider too. And a darker cream / burnt orange was one of the combos I liked as well. I'm also considering a natural wood frame. Still kick'n around ideas at this stage :) |
frostweed
Josephine, Arlington, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 24, 2007
02:37 PM Post #3117967
| GD, He is so majestic! he needs a wider and heavier frame to balance him out, maybe something closer to unpolished wood as it is found in nature. Just a thought.
Josephine. |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 24, 2007
02:51 PM Post #3118031
| I see oak or mohogany frame with it being wider too. That skimmpy black frame does NOTHING for the painting. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 24, 2007
03:24 PM Post #3118170
| Thanks ya'll . . . yeah I just had that file handy (with the mat and black frame) and put the image of the painting in there to see how it'd look. I'll have to toy around with some other options and see how it looks. I'll update the frame when I update the photo of the painting :)
|
Tir_Na_Nog
Houston
United States
(Zone 9b)
January 24, 2007
03:27 PM Post #3118188
| WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You cannot tell which one was the photo and which was the painting they are soooo incredible. What a blessing to have this forum. GD you aspire me to be better at all things in life. =) THANK YOU! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 24, 2007
08:09 PM Post #3119164
| Wider frame and matting, the colors work great. Nice to see you back on here again GD!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 24, 2007
08:40 PM Post #3119250
| Ok . . . I've been having too much play'n around with frame ideas :D
The top two are more for grins and would likely be too pricy, but the bottow two I can make myself and of course adjust the mat and wood sizes and colors to what ever works best. These are just a couple more ideas I had and thought I'd bounce them off you folks to see what ya'll think :)
Thanks Tir & Pepper :)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 24, 2007
08:47 PM Post #3119279
| Top left and bottom right looks good. The other 2 are overpowering. The top one in size the bottom one in color. That color and style of frame doesn't look right. |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 24, 2007
09:23 PM Post #3119397
| I think the golds are too bright. I like the bottom right. |
frostweed
Josephine, Arlington, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 24, 2007
09:50 PM Post #3119487
| I like the top left, it really makes the picture stand out. |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 24, 2007
10:53 PM Post #3119700
| Oops, I'm a rebel. I like to top right, with a wider,darker matt. Regal frame for a regal painting. |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 24, 2007
11:27 PM Post #3119802
| top left is the best. top right the frame takes away from the pic... bottom two... frame doesn't do anything for it. |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 24, 2007
11:41 PM Post #3119848
| Yep, I would have to agree with Nada and Josephine, GD...I like the top left one as well...It takes absolutely nothing away from color and subject and enhances both with a nice subtlety and ease of movement. My eyes just sort of travel all over ... :) I love it... :)
Melanie |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 24, 2007
11:42 PM Post #3119850
| Isn't it just like an artist to say, "I can't get a photo I'm really pleased with yet..."?
We all want to fall at your feet and kiss your ring...and you refuse to settle for what we think is perfect!
GD, your artistry is truly unbelievable.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2007
12:25 AM Post #3119953
| Ya'll aren't make'n this any easier !!! Good thing I didn't post the other 11 options I was toy'n with. lol
Just fun'n . . . actually ya'll have confirmed something that I've always thought was true about framing art. You can't please everyone with one certain style or color. Everyone has their own personal favorites and reasons for them and that's a good thing. If you listed 25 different versions and asked 50 people to each pick one, chances are they would all be selected.
I had an older artist friend from OZ offer me some advice about framing my work a while back and I think it was pretty sound advice. He said, and I quote . . . "mate, you can't please everyone so there's no need to even try. Just put your work in a simple frame that don't cost a lot because they are going to replace the frame when they get home anyway!"
That makes a lot of sence, since eveyone has a different decor and different tastes. So just because the colors of a mat/frame combo look nice on a painting, that don't mean they will work with someone's interior of their home or office.
Thanks for the feedback everyone . . . like my grand dad used to say . . . everyone being different is what makes the ol' world go 'round. ;) |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2007
12:37 AM Post #3119974
| lol Nap :D ya'll posted while I was type'n and play'n with some more frames . . . lol
But it's true . . . the colors just don't look near as nice as they should - to me anyway. Of course that may have something to do with the fact that I've been study'n this one nearly every day for over a month now - so I feel like I know every inch of the original photo. lol
I have to admit that there were times along the way with this one that I had second thoughts about making it work with watercolor and thought I may have been better off using acrylics. But I worked through it and I'm glad I did. It may just be a personal taste thing or maybe the difference in seeing the actual painting up close in person, but I think I can make the fur look better/softer with watercolor than I can acrylics. So far anyway. That may be because I have more experience with watercolors and just need more pratice with acrylics. Or oils even?
TX . . . I'm leaning towards that one as well . . . I've tried several more combos, but keep going back to that one. I guess it depends on what I end up doing with this one. ? |
Equilibrium
January 25, 2007
12:42 AM Post #3119981
| Top left frame. The mats detract from the subject. I can't explain it but they do detract to me at least. . |
sempervirens
Northern, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 25, 2007
05:03 AM Post #3120129
| Hi GD,
I hope you don't mind my joining in on your framing choices. Framing has become an important part of my work since the work is fragile and in some ways minimal,and I play in the edges, very different from yours. Your work is strong so I agree with the simple frame concept but I feel the mat is too thin, to me the big strong image needs space to breathe. I'd look at the work in a 5" mat and try floating it so the work is in front of the mat. That gives it clean uncluttered contemporary look. My work is dark so I use black mats frequently but the dark green is taking away from your image. I'd stay with off whites or creams and if you'd like to go darker pick a darker cream. Have fun playing with it. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2007
08:29 AM Post #3120351
| No I don't mind at all . . . the more the merrier :)
I did consider *floating* this one since it is the "rag edge" type watercolor paper, but I've never mounted one like that and I'm not sure how the best way to do that would be. I had been working with the straight edge type paper that comes in a tablet, but I wanted to give the heavier paper a try. I like it better and think I will be using it more in the future, so guess I need to learn how to display it with the edges exposed. I've seen some on display like this, but it's been a while and I don't recall exactly how they were done.
Thanks for chime'n in :) |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 25, 2007
12:49 PM Post #3121186
| GD, even if you were working with straight edge paper you could soak it and 'deckle' the edge if that was the look you wanted. try googling 'mounting watercolor' and see what comes up. I've never tried mounting that way either. I think I may have a book at home. not sure. I'll post if I come up with anything.
edit to add: I'm back..found one link
http://www.framing4yourself.com/tips/tips-07.htm
This message was edited Jan 25, 2007 12:58 PM |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2007
05:40 PM Post #3122257
| Ok . . . cool . . . thanks Gram for the tips and link :) |
Equilibrium
January 25, 2007
05:49 PM Post #3122286
| There's a new type of conservation glass out there that we just recently began using to frame our antique maps, water colors, and gouaches. It's called Guardian. If I had a choice of sinking money into glass or a frame, I'd go for the glass. Conservation glass reduces UV which can destroy works of art. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2007
06:35 PM Post #3122425
| Yeah that's a good point . . . they even make UV plexiglass now. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 26, 2007
12:12 AM Post #3123653
| Well the sun came out today and I was able to get a better photo of the lion that shows the actual colors a little better without me having to tweek it in PhotoShop. Also, I took the time to cut away the background in the image to show the "rag edge" of the paper vs just cropping it square.
Sooooo ... yeah you guessed it :D I've been playing around with different frame ideas again . . . and as usual I'm having a hard time deciding which I like the best. There's just way too many options . . . life would be much easier (but so dull) without all the choices. Here's a couple more frame ideas - using the new image.
The one on the left is something I put together form some really nice moulding I used on a custome frame job I did a while back. It's a real nice wide contempary style cut wood stained a deep forest green with a gold inner edge. It's fairly pricy, but the frame jobs I used it on came out really nice and the customers loved the first one so much they ordered several more (for architect drawings of their properties).
The one on the right is more of a traditional style wood moulding I had lay'n around, so I thoght I'd play with it a bit on the PC and see what it looked like. This one the image to frame/mat ratio is a little smaller giving it a little more "breathing room" as suggested.
See what ya'll think about these . . . or if you think one in the last set of samples are more suited to this painting?
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Equilibrium
January 26, 2007
12:16 AM Post #3123662
| The one on the left. |
sempervirens
Northern, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 26, 2007
04:43 AM Post #3123821
| I like the wider mat on the right but the color of the frame on the left. I like the deckle showing but am not sure of the decorative lines on the mat. One of my favorite parts of the piece is the unexpected tree in the left corner and how well it brings in a little light (nice touch) but the edge of the paper visually seems to dip in that corner and the decorative line is so straight it feels the painted (deckle) edge is crooked there.
The image is strong and clear in the last 2 frames so I now see a very straight dark line in the bottom left mane echoed by a vertical line in the background. This might be deliberate on your part so please just take it as a passing observation.
Thanks for letting us watch your progress. It is very generous of you. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 26, 2007
07:01 AM Post #3123882
| Frame on left and matting on right. |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 26, 2007
10:28 AM Post #3124422
| I love both of them! But the right one gets my final vote...
I like the difference in seeing the edge of the paper.. It makes it more regal to me. |
frostweed
Josephine, Arlington, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 26, 2007
10:42 AM Post #3124467
| I think the one on the right is the best so far, but I bet you are going to try some more, aren't you? |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 26, 2007
11:28 AM Post #3124618
| If it isn't going to be an ornate gold frame I'd go for the one on the right. Or you could dry mount it on a large piece of deckle edged matt board & base and cover it with glass. No frame, just the beautiful work on an unencumbered background. Kinda corny, but a thought. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 26, 2007
03:37 PM Post #3125526
| Sempervirens . . . you're most welcome and you feedback is appreciated. :)
I see your point about the extra lines in the mat . . . they may work if the image/frame ratio was even smaller?
Oh and yeah that top left corner is making it look a bit out of kilter. The original piece is a tad off on that corner, but not near as bad as it appears on the one I used in the last samples. I'll recut out the photo when I do the final draft and make sure I get it nice and squared up.
| Quoted: | | I now see a very straight dark line in the bottom left mane echoed by a vertical line in the background. |
I'm not sure which vertical line you mean?
Balvenie . . . that sounds interesting, but I'm not sure what would hold the glass on the mounting without some sort of frame?
Thanks again for all the feedback ya'll :)
|
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 26, 2007
04:05 PM Post #3125650
| GD, these are the things I was thinking of. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 26, 2007
04:14 PM Post #3125678
| Ahh ok . . . those are pretty neat. I don't guess I've seen them before or if I have I just didn't realize it. lol |
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)
January 26, 2007
05:20 PM Post #3125971
| I am voting for the one on the left, I think it enhances without overpowering the painting. |
sempervirens
Northern, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 26, 2007
05:50 PM Post #3126056
| GD,
I just thought the straight lines on the mat made the corner look a little crooked, and I like that corner. I'm sure you can adjust it . If you don't see the vertical line it probably isn't there. The computer images are small and hard to see the "true" image.
I 'm enjoying all the varied thoughts on framing. That corrugated backing board looks interesting to work with. |
cach357
Fairhope, AL
(Zone 8b)
January 26, 2007
06:17 PM Post #3126119
| I think the one one the left accentuates the colors a bit more.
Amy |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 26, 2007
08:44 PM Post #3126571
| love the custom molding on the left and the 'space' on the right. I really like both of these better than the first lot. |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 26, 2007
11:42 PM Post #3127098
| And here I keep going back to the right image and that tan mat. Would it be a double mat, GD? What were the dimensions of your painting? Ya know, the Mona Lisa is much, much smaller then what people assume...lol ;) Technically the whole composition to the right just sort of moves from one area to the next; my eye never strays from mat to frame to subject but encompasses the whole of it all. :) Make some prints...will ya? lol.. :D
Melanie |
sempervirens
Northern, NJ
(Zone 6b)
January 27, 2007
07:28 AM Post #3127406
| I was thinking of this thread and how when it came to the more "technical" part of presentation (matting, framing) we could really offer each other a great deal of information. Not only could we share our own experiences and choices but also sources for supplies. Maybe we could start a "sticky" thread for framing and matting, another for supply sources for the different arts (painting, scupture, stained glass, works on paper, etc.). I know I've been searching for large rolls of canvas backed paper that no longer seems available from my regular sources and I would like to find a new supplier. What do you think? Any interest?
I don't want to highjack this thread so if there is interest maybe we could start a new thread. Or if I just missed a similar thread someone could point it out. |
grampapa
Wheatfield, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 27, 2007
10:54 AM Post #3127973
| sempervirens, go ahead and start a supply thread and one for framing/matting and see what kind of response you get. what have you got to lose? You can ask Terry (admin) to make it a 'sticky'. I think it's a great idea. A lot of people do their own framing. It adds way too much to the cost of a piece to pay to have it framed, regardless of the medium you work in.
gram |
balvenie
Marysville, WA
(Zone 7a)
January 27, 2007
11:36 AM Post #3128094
| Good idea, rather than another forum. |
cach357
Fairhope, AL
(Zone 8b)
January 27, 2007
11:43 AM Post #3128120
| GD - Do you ever travel to art festivals with your work? There is a great one here in Fairhope AL. You'd probably leave with nothing but money in your pocket.
Amy |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 28, 2007
09:18 AM Post #3130681
| Thanks for the input on the frame pics :)
lol TX . . . well I'm try'n to get it there :D Yeah I was think'n of going with a double mat, but not sure just yet - maybe 3? I think that may look better than just a single. As far as size, the paper is actually 19.5" x 25.5 not counting the edges . . . all in all it measures 20.5" x 26.5".
Yeah . . . I agree Gram, retail prices on frames is what pushed me to purchase my own framing and mat cutting tools. I priced some very basic 22" x 28" frames with a double mat and standard glass to mount my 18" x 24"s into and they ranged from $200 - $300 each depending on where I checked. I got my table saw ($100), corner joining tools ($50) and mat cutter & rule ($100) all for the price of one frame. Of course that don't include the wood, mats and glass, but the savings on the first two frames I made paid for my tools and raw materials and now I'm set.
A "sticky" thread for framing and matting sounds cool . . . may also consider a sticky for general *how-to* for beginners? Just to allow some of the artisans to post the basic tools and info about their favorite mediums and making it easy for everyone to find.
Maybe have one for tool/supplie resources and another for basic tools needed/how to get started ? Just a thought.
Amy - no I haven't done a lot of shows. I did a few shows with my cousin several years ago (before I got this serious about my paintings) with some "import" items and had a little fun with that. They weren't exactly art festivals though . . . more of the little county fair types. I've been to a few that were more geared towards art and think that may be a nice way to meet people and get my work seen a bit more. Festivals are always fun . . . may have to look in to doing some of those soon :) |
cach357
Fairhope, AL
(Zone 8b)
January 28, 2007
09:33 AM Post #3130724
| If you do decide to do some check this one out. http://www.eschamber.com/artsandcrafts.htm Maybe next year. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 28, 2007
10:56 PM Post #3133506
| Ahh ok . . . that sounds cool. Thanks for the link :)
Ya'll remember those magazines that you used to look at in the waiting room at the Dr. office . . . what were they called? Highlight? Or something like that . . . anyway . . . I'm sure ya'll have all seen them at some point. They had those images in them where you had to find like seven hidden things that were different in each one. At a glance they looked the same, but if you looked really close you could spot a couple right away . . . a few others were a little harder.
Well that's what I was reminded of when I was looking at this painting side-by-side with the original photo. Don't tell anyone but I spotted more than seven things that were different. So . . . I fixed the more obvious ones and that included reworking the background a little (which I kinda adlib'd on that part anyway). There's a few more that I don't think are that obvious and I'd likely make a mess of things if I try to fix them too, so I'm turn'n myself in to the Art Police before Amy calls them on me again. lol
Here's a side-by-side for ya'll to compare . . . see how many things you can spot. If you see something that REALLY needs help, let me know . . . I'll have to hide from the Art Police again :D
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Equilibrium
January 28, 2007
11:13 PM Post #3133568
| I'm sure if I saved it to my hard drive and then enlarged it I'd find something but I'm not going to bother because this is one of the nicest wildlife pieces I've seen. Here are some thoughts for you, only God and another lion can create another perfect lion. Humans like you are a lot like the Amish who quilt... they almost need to toss in that one black stictch somewhere. By the looks of what I've just seen... you better find a place to toss in a black stitch.
I'd be curious to know which two wildlife rescue organizations are your favorites? |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 28, 2007
11:26 PM Post #3133593
| Well, GD, yes, I can spot a few differences. But don't touch them because your picture is perfect! Most differences have made the picture better than the original. I'm dead serious. What is the goal? To make an identical likeness? Or to make a perfect picture? You have made a perfect picture!! |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 29, 2007
12:36 AM Post #3133746
| lol @ black stich :D . . . that's very kind of you to say, but I still have a lot to learn and a ways to go with realisam before I have to worry about that. As far as which two wildlife rescue organizations are my favorites . . . I will select one - likely the AnimalArk.org that I donated the Cheetah Cub painting to. I'm not sure if you caught that thread or not? Here's the link http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/634979/
I really like what they do up there and hope to visit them someday. There's one a lot closer to me - actually out by TX's house just north of town, but I haven't had a chance to visit them yet. I hope to do that sometime this spring and maybe do some things for them as well.
The photographer will select the other one, but I'm not sure where yet. She mentioned Africa, but I know she does most of her Primate work in OZ. I just sent her a note and a copy of the photo of the painting, so we'll see pretty soon.
Well Nap, I don't know about "perfect" but I'm finally satisfied with this one and I'd likely make a mess of things if I keep fool'n with it anyway . . . lol
As you can see the top part was cut off in the photo and the paper size I decided to use had a little extra room up there, so I just kind of made up what I wanted the top of that plant life to do and spaced it out a bit more. Originally I was going to leave that dark horizonal line out, but decided to just fade it into the background a bit more. I felt that it was a little destracting as it shows in the photo, so I just softened it up a bit. I was more worried about getting the lion to *look real* than anything else. I figured everything else would fall into place if I could pull that off ;)
Thanks again for the kind words and support :) |
Equilibrium
January 29, 2007
12:46 AM Post #3133766
| The Animal Ark looks like a very worthy cause. Good choice. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 29, 2007
07:14 AM Post #3134049
| Yep, good choice. |
renatelynne
Boerne, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 29, 2007
10:28 AM Post #3134573
| I'm sorry but your painting looks better than the original picture! *giggle. |
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
January 29, 2007
02:35 PM Post #3135447
| i put one on top of the other. only thing i see is your lion must use conditioner, its fur looks way softer. absolutely amazing. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
January 29, 2007
09:25 PM Post #3136871
| your painting is pettable. And for me to say that means I am dead tired and need to get off here. Soon. Real soon. Maybe not. LOL |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 30, 2007
12:39 AM Post #3137404
| Yeah Eq . . . I think they do some really great work there and after speaking with them on the phone for a good while, I appreciate their program even more. They have the only facility here in the states where their guest can actually watch Cheetahs run and get up to full speed (around 70 m.p.h.) Which I think would be awsome to watch on person and hope to visit them and do that someday.
Thanks Nada and Prew . . . :D conditioner huh? I didn't think anyone would notice he uses Pert :D ;)
lol Pepper . . . careful . . . I haven't fed him yet today ;) :D
Speaking of today . . . I took him to a local professional print shop today and was pleased with the confidence the printer had in getting high quality reproductions of this one. He said, based on the colors used, that it will be at least 99% matchable. I know some colors - mainly deep reds, purples and blues - are harder for them to match, but since there's not any of those in this painting he thinks it will be easy for him to reproduce. Not bad prices either, better than I expected anyway. So that was good new for me :)
|
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
January 30, 2007
10:14 AM Post #3138139
| i took a longer look last night, just because you said were differences, and yes i did see some, but seriously your diffs were improvements. truely awesome, and then i googled you, your even goggle-able. i loved the malamute. i used to know a malamute, he had kind face, i saw that in your painting. and then the one, wolf?..i think, with its nose in the snow. your site was a pleasure to peruse, for sure.. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 30, 2007
11:19 AM Post #3138356
| Thanks . . . that Malamute was a challenge for sure. It done for a friend that's also a photographer. It's from his favorite photo of his ol' best friend he calls Jerry Lee :) His wife had me do that one for him for his birthday/Christmas gift a couple years ago. So that being his favorite photo of his own dog, there was a little extra added pressure there . . . lol
I think I posted a photo of the wolves on this form when it first opened, but I'm not 100% if it had the one with his nose in the snow or if it had the Puma and the other wolf in the image. It's on here somewhere. :)
Thanks Prew . . . glad you liked my little site. I have a link to it on my User Page here on DG, but I guess it was easy enough to find via google. |
Jenks
Social Circle, GA
(Zone 8a)
January 30, 2007
01:51 PM Post #3138840
| Wow. It looks like a photo! |
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
January 31, 2007
06:31 PM Post #3143261
| o, i guess i haven't seen the user page part yet. |
nap
Depew, NY
(Zone 6a)
January 31, 2007
09:20 PM Post #3143865
| He means his homepage, prew...click on "GDRankin" on one of his posts. |
TxTurqoize
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 31, 2007
11:40 PM Post #3144358
| I can't remember the name of that refuge behind my house, GD...hmm...but I would definitely look into contacting them for some ideas. It is a small place...and I'll drive down Leslie Rd on occasion to reach 1604 instead of on Braun...and see quite a few cars out there, although I haven't heard any lions roarin' across the crispy cow pasture lately, lol. 'Course, the weather and that dadburn mulch fire have kept me indoors lately. :) (Hope that mulch smoke didn't intercept my "howdy" to ya again, lol) ;)
Melanie |
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
February 01, 2007
12:02 AM Post #3144432
| ah, tks nap. |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 01, 2007
12:27 AM Post #3144510
| lol TX . . . na . . . I can tell the difference in mulch smoke and the smoke signals you send :D
Thanks NAP . . . yeah that's what I meant ;)
|
prew
Oklahoma City, OK
February 01, 2007
11:57 AM Post #3145618
| s'ok G...totally understand that right brain left brain..can see it.. can't say it thing |
GD_Rankin
San Antonio, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 01, 2007
04:26 PM Post #3146537
| lol yeah . . . that's it ;) |
