Random Project of the Week - Tiger study (with new paints!)

I can't remember the last time I painted a tiger. It might have been a decade ago... 😲 Anyway, I used a reference photo I took at a zoo a few years ago to paint this 5" X 5" acrylic study. I used Golden Fluid Acrylics, a paint I'd never used before. Although I had heard these paints are opaque and have a great consistency, I was still surprised when I tried them myself. Looks like I might be switching to Golden in the future!

From the Sketchbook - Acrylic studies of my dogs

I got out a new mixed media sketchbook for these small acrylic studies. I was inspired by artist James Gurney who paints amazing sketches in gouache and watercolor (from life, which I struggle with, so I used reference photos).

The first painting is of my Boston Terrier, Dorie, warming up in the sun on a cold winter's day. The second (with my hand for scale) is of my rescue mutt, Luna, running with her frisbee in her mouth.

Portrait of Scooter

 Scooter's portrait is finished! The reference photo I worked from for this painting was fantastic. I just love the angle and Scooter's pose. This was a fun one to paint, especially glazing the warm browns on top of his fur.

Scooter's portrait update

I'm just about finished with the soft, out-of-focus areas, and now I'm starting to add the finer details to Scooter's face.

 

First stage of Scooter's portrait

New commissioned painting in progress! This unique little mixed-breed dog is Scooter. His portrait is being painted on a 20" X 16" canvas panel. The block-in is done and I'll start adding details to the background next.

Portrait of Henry the Dachshund

 Here is Henry's portrait all finished! This kind of portrait with the very shallow depth of field was new for me. I enjoyed learning how to paint soft edges with acrylics.