MTM 15 -30 Jan 2009 FUR AND FEATHERS

[chammi kaiser]

MtM Hosting Guide and Schedule. (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=522453)

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http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/14-Jan-2009/39224-75._Face_to_face.JPG

MTM CLASSROOM : 15 th January to end January 2008 FUR AND FEATHERS

Hi everybody,
I hope you will join me, relax and have some fun, participate and hopefully we will all experience something new . I am going to post my tips and techniques over the next few days. Please feel free to ask questions, post your W.I.P’s and share with us your favourite books , artists and videos on this subject so that we can learn from each other. We have two weeks to experiment,or sit back and watch others experimenting (lazy thing you!!) and maybe have a go at painting a bird or an animal. I am really looking forward to the time with you all. I am no expert but really enjoy painting these living creatures so will do my best.

If you intend painting from a photograph (and there are some wonderful ones in the Reference Library) try to find one that gives you a nice close-up view of the lie (or the direction) in which the fur or feathers grow.

It takes practice to paint fur or plumage and it really is worthwhile to study the work of other artists. Some paintings are very detailed whilst others merely suggest texture.
My own work is fairly detailed. Although smooth surfaces are better for painting detail, I tend to enjoy gallery wrapped canvas or canvas board. I like the slightly rough surface which allows a (hopefully) more ‘painterly’ style to come through.

Materials: As I have mentioned, canvas is my choice but smooth board (illustration board) is a good support for really detailed work. Or of course, you can cover the support with gesso, sandpaper the first layer, re-gesso, sandpaper again until you achieve the necessary smoothness.

I start my work with larger brushes – A mixture of various brands , flat 30, (a local manufacturer Boesner, size 24 , a medium long flat, a number 10 round . All these brushes are specifically for Acrylics. For the finer work I use Kolinsky Rotmarder (very very similar to sable but not as expensive). Here the brushes are two riggers – 0 and 1 and number 1 round and 4 round.
Brushes can vary in size from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, we all have our favourite brushes and they are probably totally different to mine.

The paints I use are Liquitex heavy bodied. I find they work for me and although rather thick, I can make the paint as thick or as thin as I wish with the addition of Liquitex Gloss Medium and Varnish and the minimum of water. I will explain this later.

Getting Started: The initial drawing is very important while it gives me the security of knowing the proportions are right.
A good idea is to buy a soft toy (there are incredibly life-like ones available). This is a good way to observe the direction of fur, the colours, the thickness etc. A bonus is that you have an animal that is going to stay absolutely still!!!!!

This is a painting of a monkey which I painted after taking many photos and sketching the little fellows who were scampering around our cabin in a national park in South Africa. There is no substitute for watching animals in real life. Of course , we can’t all be scampering off to South Africa. I am fortunate in that my family live there and I need to visit at least every two years. However, there are zoos where most animals can be observed. There are the sections in zoos where children are able to stroke animals and there you have the opportunity to really see in which way the fur lies. A little more disturbing (because their eyes are so lifeless) are the exhibitions in Natural History museums where various birds and animals remain forever frozen in time. Take your sketch book and draw draw draw.

If you are fortunate enough to own a pet, cat or dog, horse or pot-bellied piggy, stroke the hair and see the way each layer overlaps the other.

That’s all from Hamburg at the moment. See you tomorrow.

[clementine]

HI Chammi!
you did a super work!the fur is very beautiful and I love the eyes and expressions!
great idea you have Chammi!but sorry don't count on me!I have not such a patience!:o
:wave: clem

[AMuse]

Hi Chammi! looking forward to watching (and hopefully participating!)

[Alison2]

Great start to the class Chammi! I'll be watching, and will follow all the tips, but not immediately during the alloted period I'm afraid. Don't you just hate it when work gets in the way, lol. Love your monkey - beautiful eyes and expressions.

For now I've got some book recommendations though:-

Paint Realistic Animals in Acrylic - Lee Hammond
Painting Wildlife with John Seery Lester

I love both these books.

Alison:wave:

[grekslay]

Hi Chammi :wave: :wave: :wave:

Thank you for taking the time to show us how you paint. I'll be watching, and will follow all the tips, and will hopefully participating

I have only tryed painting my dog. This will be my challenge for the next two weeks :lol:

Love your monkey beautiful eyes
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[susme48]

Hoping to participate, but if not I will still be watching and learning!! Love the monkey!

[*dee*]

I like painting dogs..done four (and a half). And I've done a few deer.

I'll be certainly watching this...and maybe drag out that "half" to finish it. :lol:

[Li'l Brown]

Hm, might be a good chance to practice with my new kitties and all... but I can't help but think this is gonna be hard!!!

Yes, I am lazy. :D

[sveldstra]

Looking forward to following along.:wave:

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Clem. Glad to see you here. Try an animal in your style - quick and dynamic. Go for the textures rather than the detail.
Kathy - hope you will give it a go.
Alison. Lee Hammond's book is very good. It is also one of my recommendations. Nice to have you with me.
Graham. Thank you. Looking forward to your work.
Susan. Glad you will be giving it a go.
Dee. Of course you are going to finish that half a dog. Which half???!!!
Jesslyn: Now you are NOT going to be lazy and hope you will enjoy painting your kittens. Sketch them in the meantime or take a nice closeup photo.
Sylvestra: Took a look at your website. There is some lovely stuff there and your photos are fantastic. I am sure you will be a great asset to this workshop.
Am off to work now but will be posting more stuff tonight. Till then.
Chammi.

[edtree]

:wave: Hi Chami!

Your monkey painting is amazing! I'm looking forward to learning more about painting animals and fur and feathers, and all such things...as time permits. Thank you so much for leading/hosting this class for us! :D

Elizabeth

[noodle1]

Hi Chami,

Looking forward to joining in, perfect timing as I'm in the beginning of painting this very very fluffy cat..taking a seat got my supplies, ready, set, go.
Thank your for doing this..an love your monkey it's fantastic!

Elaine :wave:

[objectivistartist]

Great fur, and good leathery face... :thumbsup:

[LavenderFrost]

I will try not to be a lazy one this time, lol. I do have a bird photo that I have wanted to paint for a long time, so maybe this class is the kick I need to get it done. (Just like the last class was the kick I needed to finally use one of my cloud references. I still have to start that.)

I have done both fur and feathers before and find painting animals and birds quite enjoyable.

[Charlie's Mum]

Thanks so much Chammi - and nice painting to start us off too!

I'll tack this class onto Elaine's - still have my clouds to do .... after the other projects I'm committed too this month!:eek: :eek:
Looking forward to others joining in though and seeing how they tackle fur and feathers too :D

[Prickles]

hi Chammi I am looking forward this too I luv doing birds I have only painted a cat before tho
I have my own zoo of 1 dog 2 cats 4 birds in the house 3 avairys outside

[chammi kaiser]

Welcome Elizabeth. It's a pleasure. Lovely to meet with you all.
Elaine - we will all enjoy the process of painting your very fluffy cat. What colour is it?
Robert. Hope you will be putting your penny's worth in.
Lavender. You have been a busy girl. Hope you have time to join us.Looking forward to seeing your bird photo. Please post it.
Maureen. I know I am going to enjoy the input here and learn plenty
myself. Thanks a lot for the encouragement. My first time around.

[grekslay]

Hi :wave: :wave: :wave:

When do we start, When do we start, When do we start, :lol:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[chammi kaiser]

Firstly, let me give you a few references which will help you along your way.

There is an excellent book available through Amazon called:

KEYS TO PAINTING FUR AND FEATHERS by RACHEL WOLF. (very informative)

PAINT REALISTIC ANIMALS IN ACRYLIC by LEE HAMMOND


PAINTING ANIMALS – CHRISTOPHER DROCHON - Text (beautifully written) by Francoise Coffrant.
A book really worth owning although there is not a great deal of technical help. I think this is really an ooohh and aaahh experience just seeing the way this artist paints.
This takes pride of place on my bookshelf. From initial sketches to unbelievably realistic studio work, the paintings are simply beautiful. This man is a real maestro.

Okay let’s get down to the nitty gritty and take a good look at fur. It grows in different directions on different parts of the body. The faces of animals show several changes in the direction of the hair. It is terribly important that you take note of the direction in which fur , hair or feathers lie. (We will get into feathers at a later stage).
This gives the animal shape and structure.

Thicker strokes give the illusion of coarse hair or fur and gentle fine lines make fur look soft.

ALWAYS PAINT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE GROWTH WHETHER FUR ON AN ANIMAL OR FEATHERS ON A BIRD.

Hair and fur look much more realistic when the brushstrokes are different lengths and
sizes.

Here are a few brushtrokes for fur.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10002.JPG


Work your way from the tail and feet towards the head. Each new layer of hair will overlap the one before it.

When painting hairs , you need a push and lift motion. Place the tip of the loaded brush on the canvas, then push down very slightly (moving in the direction of the growth). The brushstroke will become slightly wider then flip it up for the fine end section of the hair. Worth practising.

I load the paint in a twirling motion with my rigger which I have dipped into water. Make sure you don’t have a globule of paint on the end of the brush. Paint needs to be evenly distributed along the brush. It can be horribly frustrating when you want a fine brushstroke and and blob drops onto the canvas. No throwing your toys out of the cot girls and boys!! Simply wipe away the blob with the corner of a damp cloth and you are ready to start again.

Here are typical brushstrokes as described above.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10005.JPG

Okay, let’s get going. You have now done your drawing. Check proportions. Anyone who has a drawing to post, would love to see it.

1. I paint a background colour for each section of the animal. Start with the darkest areas first. Don’t worry about the hair at this stage. Try to forget what you are painting and concentrate on shapes. Not a bad idea to turn your drawing upside down so that shapes are more apparent. There is no real underlying form to the animal at this stage. Everything will be quite flat and just patches of colour.
Tip: I mix my underlying colour with plenty of Gloss medium and Varnish so that I can still see my drawing.
2. My darks are always a mixture of Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna. They look more lively than using black or dark grey. I can then mix a brown black or a blue black depending on the animal.
3. I apply the darks to areas away from the light. Squint your eyes at your photo and these dark areas become very defined. Those parts away from the light source need lots of depth . They are mainly under the chin, areas in the ears, the nose etc.
4. If you are impatient (like I am), then use a hairdryer to dry this underpainting before you start on the ‘real’ work.
Tip: I never mix white with my colours for blocking in as I said before I like my drawing to still show through and white makes the covering too opaque.

Hope you are rearing to go and that there will be a few drawings posted within the next few days. See you tomorrow.

[*dee*]

The issue with the "half" dog isn't really the fur...he's a sleek-haired rat terrier...and its the whole dog (just half finished). Its a matter of getting his nose right...the other dogs I've painted have been looking off in another direction. His pose is a straight on...looking you in the eye. I'm having trouble making him look like anything but a pug. *sigh*

That's another lesson I guess.

But I am going to be working on a close-up of a bushy tail squirrel.

[noodle1]

Chammi - well now that is one of the problems I'm not really sure, the photos that were sent to me (jpg files) all showed something different in color. He's almost like a muted caramel from what I gather from the owner but the photos were either gold or a pinkish taupe color. His eyes "not green" but gold. I started out too golden from the first photos sent, then tweaked the reference one in Photoshop til owner said "that's close", but I had already started laying in color from the other photos...so now have to back track and try n change what I started with.

I was hoping that as I went along I could detail the fur a bit tho it's not defined in ref, more clumped and layered, just to play with values to maybe get the look of a single color. What do you think?

I've posted this before in WOYE but stopped dead with it, will post reference too which looks absolutely nothing like the first one I started with. He has a water drop on his nose they want so that's why I pulled him in, yes I know I couldn't see it either..lol

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2009/139027-Alex-new.jpg


ref.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/15-Jan-2009/139027-3-alex.jpg

Anyway and all suggestions, crits, help is most greatly appreciated, not particularly my forte but would like to finish it. Thank you.

Elaine

[biddlebeach]

Wow Elaine! that cat has one huge front leg!! in ref photo!
sigh, wish I had seen this lesson BEFORE Chit Chat
but I also am pulling up a chair and watching!

[chammi kaiser]

Briar. Sorry I missed you out. Guess we went past each other. Let's have a photo of your dog!
Graham, we're on our way.
Dee, post your pug and we will see how we can help. Also post your bushy tailed squirrel.

[chammi kaiser]

Elaine. The problem you have here is the photo angle, that's why the paw is so large. I think there is more pinky grey in the cat and you will have to tone down the 'yellow' a little, perhaps with a glaze. You need to work on the darker areas first, areas under the chin, within the ears and then begin on the fur. This will be explained tonight in the next 'episode'.

[Prickles]

Hi Chammi here is Willow

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/131555-3112985204_ecd46e0a80_m.jpg

and here is Teddy does any one want a challange

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/131555-tedted11.JPG

:wave: :wave:

[eichin]

Hallo chammy
ich danke dir für deine ausführliche Erklärung,werde den Beitrag weiter verfolgen.
Mein englisch ist noch an Anfang, darum in meiner Muttersprache.

[biddlebeach]

I will post a pic I did of my dogs, well before I ever found wet canvas,, I KNOW there is so much I have done wrong here. Moses is the black and white one and Munchkin is the tiny black and tan behind him.

[biddlebeach]

This is the original

[*dee*]

G'mornin'.....

Here's Duke...the half-dog.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-100_0338.JPG

There's still a lot of work to be done to him...but his face is bogging me down.

[biddlebeach]

Duke the half dog is looking good! faces are tough. good luck.

[*dee*]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-squirrel_1.jpg.JPG

And then an update...showing where the squirrel is at now....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-squirrel_2.jpg.JPG

[noodle1]

Hi Chammi, yes I knew that :) it's how they took the photo, but that's not included in my painting, I cropped him close to try and get that waterdrop.

Thank you I do intend to get back to this and will lay in my darker values once I start again. And will go towards the more pinkish/greys as you suggest to see if that works. When I've got something will post again. Think I will as well try several color values with detailed strokes so all together will have a singular
color come across to the eye when I get to that point...once again thanks for your imput.

Elaine

[chammi kaiser]

Hi guys, just popping in briefly before work to see how you are doing before I get into the big stuff tonight.

Dee:Firstly sincere and abject apologies - down on my knees for forgiveness. I read your post incorrectly and now rereading a little more carefully , see that you think your poor Duke looks like a Pug!! Not at all. I think you are well on your way to making him a handsome sleek-haired rat terrier. Will talk more about your painting tonight. Do you have a ref photo?

Prickles: Both are delightful animals and worth painting. Hope you will give one of them a go during this classroom.

Eichen: Keine Angst. Los gehts meine liebe.

Mary. I think you have done very well and have captured the essence of the dogs. Perhaps working on the dark patches which are a little stark . They need to be faded on the edges, bluish grey or brownish grey depending on the actual colour of Moses. Although we are not concentrating on eyes here, I love painting eyes and a little more depth of colour would help to give them more life. I love Munchkin at the back. No changes needed there.

See you all later. Keep stroking that fur.

[*dee*]

No apologies needed. :wink2:

I started this last summer...it'll take some seaching to find the ref pic again. (Note to self....keep ref pics with canvases. :o ) I do have a front face view of Duke taken Christmas morning.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-duke_close.JPG

[LavenderFrost]

These all look like very good starts to me.

Briar, I love your cat. That face really has character.

[chammi kaiser]

Hi everyone,

Next step – now for the fun and patience.

1. Begin with the darker hairs (always in the direction of the growth – can’t emphasise this enough) making them different lengths – some a little thicker and some finer strokes. In a smooth-haired animal the same rule applies but the strokes will be much shorter. Begin at the tail section working towards the head and from the feet up towards the body. Hair on the legs tends to be slightly longer and coarser .

2. Once you have covered the animal with the darker hairs, let everything dry ,
hair dryer comes into action again. Start the process over again with the next
tone (lighter than your dark colour) leaving darker hairs to show through here
and there.

Here is a drawing of a squirrel . I am happy with the proportions. This will be a demo for you – often feel this helps more than all the theory. I will explain the process as I go along. I think you have enough to think about for the moment. So start on those drawings and we can pain along together. Should be fun. I love all the different styles and colours. It is what makes the world of art so exciting.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10006.JPG


Am off to the Apassionata show tomorrow, ( a marvellous demonstration of the incredibly close relationship of these horsemen and their horses. Can’t wait) so won’t be around tomorrow but will be back on Sunday morning (European time – not too early – my only lazy morning of the week). Cheers all.

Chammi.

[chammi kaiser]

Dee. I am doing a squirrel and hope this might help you with yours.

[Shirl Parker]

Here's my baby, Pearl.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/113427-DSC00724Pearl.JPG

[biddlebeach]

Oh Shirl
how precious!

[*dee*]

Here's where I'm at with my squirrel....the colors didn't photograph well, and I'm too tired to mess with it.

I've gotta get up early in the am and start my workweek...so I'm hanging up my brushes for the night.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-squirrel_acrylic_wip.jpg.JPG

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Dee. Your squirrel is looking good . Keep going.

Shirl. That is one adorable dog. It is crying out to be painted. Hope you will give Pearl a go during this classroom.

[chammi kaiser]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10003.JPG

Hi from Hamburg,


The bushy tailed red squirrel is known as an Eichhörnchen in Germany. Hörnchen in German means ‘little horns’ and Eich (Oak). Their ears tend to look like little horns. Two keep scampering across my balcony and peering curiously at me when I’m in the kitchen. When we lived in a house with a huge garden and plenty of trees, we had a pair of squirrels who produced three babies. I spent many hours just laughing at their antics and sketching them. A joyous experience.

These are the colours I will be using. (All Liquitex Heavy Bodied)


Hookers Green Deep
Burnt Sienna
Van Dyke Red
Burnt Umber
Yellow Oxide
Phthalo Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Light Blue Violet
Titanium White

I have started with a mix of Hookers Green mixed 1:1 with Gloss Medium and Varnish. I will have some deep black greens between the leaves to emphasise the golden red of the animal.

Now I have used a mix of Phthalo Blue and Van Dyke Red for the darker or shadow areas also mixed with Gloss Medium and Varnish .

It is very important to note the light source and mine is coming from the left. I have started blocking in the colours of the squirrel with yellow oxide (with lots of Gloss Medium) for the light tones , a mixture of yellow oxide and burnt sienna for the middle tones and burnt sienna for the tail (all mixed with gloss medium). I now have my tones in place and the ‘ugly stage’ is ready .

The leaves are beginning to appear by painting the darker areas negatively between them. Once they appeared, I decided to lighten them slightly and give them more warmth by painting a very light glaze (plenty of gloss medium) over them. I always try to bring at least one colour of the animal into the background as this stops the subject from looking ‘cut out’.

Tomorrow I will start the first layers of hair starting with the tail.

Please feel free to ask any questions at this stage. Happy to answer to the best of my ability.

I see there are lots of you out there just watching. Please join in and give us your feedback on what we are doing. No need to actually paint anything, but input is so valuable to artists and I am sure we would all appreciate your comments.

Auf Wiedersehen till tomorrow.

Chammi.

[Alison2]

Chammi and Dee it's nice to see these squirrels coming alive!

Chammi, I was just wondering - you said you like to use lots of gloss medium - is this just because you like the look or because you find it helps transparency!

Thanks so much for sharing the steps - we can all learn as you're working!

Alison:wave:

[eyepaint]

Here's where I'm at with my squirrel....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Jan-2009/156775-squirrel_acrylic_wip.jpg.JPG

Dee - this is really coming along. Love all the tiny brush strokes! :)

[grekslay]

Hi All :wave: :wave: :wave:

Dee, Chammi Can't wait the next stage of these squirrels they are looking great

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[noodle1]

Wow you guys are moving I can't seem to get near my easel..but I'm learning more and more each day I check in, squirrels looking really good, EP terrific and Dee, Chammi watching closely to see it come alive! I shall return, hopefully sooner then later with more on Alex the Cat..lol

Elaine

[*dee*]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/156775-please_sir.jpg

Unless someone sees something vitally wrong with the little guy....I think he's done!

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Alison. I use it in the beginning stages because it helps transparency. Later there will be more use of opaque colours to give more body to the painting. The transparent early stages help me to still see my drawing showing the the form of the animal.

[chammi kaiser]

Elaine: Really looking forward to your drawing of Alex the cat. Yippee. Glad you are still with us.

[chammi kaiser]

Dee, this is not really about noses and eyes, but just a small tip, bring in a little more dark on the nose and the eyes. Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue mixed make a great dark but you can also use Paynes Grey which isn't bad as it gives a bluish black glow to the eye. I love that tail but feel the rest is a little similar in tone. I would really like to see your reference pic. to compare colours etc. I think you have done a super job so far but not 'quite' finished!!!! Dear girl, sorry to push you but this is a classroom (and we thought we were all over the school phase yuk!!).
So glad you are giving it a go here. Really appreciate your input.

[*dee*]

Here's the ref pic....I found it in WC's library....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/156775-squirrel.jpg

He's not a very red squirrel.

I used paynes gray and just a bit of black for the eyes...the highlights are a slightly "grayed" white.

Also.....yesterday's posting came across as being too yellow....today's isn't quite red enough. *sigh* :rolleyes:

[*dee*]

One thing I've noticed (and I'm not sure how to remedy) is the direction of the hairs on my squirrel's tail at just about eye-level. In the photo you are looking at the tip of the individual hairs....in my painting the hairs are pointing off to the left. :confused: I'm not sure how to get the effect of looking at the tips of the hairs.....this ( .:.:. )...rather than this ( =_=- ). Know what I mean?

[RPut]

Hi Everyone, Hope to join in soon as I have a dog commission to start on and have been putting it off as I've only done 2 animal portraits. And my refs are not very good, so wish me luck!
Dee, I love your litle guy. I like his expression as if he stopped and looked and said "who Me?" Now Like I said I'm don't have a lot of experience, but IMHO his tail seems to be a little too uniform. I think a few whispy hairs would help that. Also, I think he needs a bit more depth around his hands and elbows. Maybe scrumbe in and deepen the colors in that area and I think it would make a difference. So, just a few more tweaks and you've got it! Well done!
Anxious to see Chammi squirrel also!
Hope to be back!

[*dee*]

I'm not sure I know how to "scrumble" :o

[RPut]

Maybe I have the wrong term. Dip your brush in paint, wipe most of it and dab on paper towels so your brush is dry and then just scrub the color in. Or just dab in the color lightly? Kind of a dab and lift? Just enough to darken the area under his hands and elbows. keep a wet rag to wipe off if it doesn't work the way you want it.

[*dee*]

I'll give it another go. I did have it darker under the chin at one point, but it made it look part of his chin. (That WAS before I gave him those teensy little chin hairs though.)

[*dee*]

Okay...here's where my "tree rat" is at now....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/18-Jan-2009/156775-please_sir_2.jpg.jpg

I've darkened his eyes & nose (and adding a bit of burnt umber), shaded under his chin & below his paws & arms, fluffed out his tail, added some more little hairs here & there........

is he looking better?

[RPut]

Dee, he is soooo cute! I think he looks great! Well Done! I didn't catch how big he is?

[chammi kaiser]

Popping in whilst you are all still snoozing away.
Ruthie. Holding thumbs for that dog commission and really hoping you will joing us.
Dee. What a great improvement. There are some nice curved strokes in the tail now. He really is a delightful little creature.

[arpett]

Hi Chammi!
I realy like this class, and i have two questions: How big is the painting you are doing, and do you have a ref.photo? :thumbsup:

[Shirl Parker]

... Holding thumbs for that dog commission...

Chammi, is that expression something like our "keeping fingers crossed"?

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Arnt,

The painting is around 24 cm x 18 cm - a lot smaller than I usually work but this is just a demonstration painting. However, it is turning out happily so will hope to frame it at the end of the classroom. I don't have a reference photo, just sketches and a few small photos and a lot of memories of watching these little creatures.

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Shirl,

That is exactly it!!!! Go for it girl.

[chammi kaiser]

I have been desperately trying to upload the latest on the squirrel but the uploader doesn't want to know me at all so will try again tomorrow. Veeerrrry frustrating when one is trying to organise a classroom. Hang in there guys, I haven't forsaken you!!!!!!!

[Shirl Parker]

I was having trouble with the uploader, and finally after waiting and waiting, I entered what I thought would be the link to the picture, and son of a gun, it loaded the picture in the thread. It was there, just didn't want to admit it in the upload dialogue box.

[chammi kaiser]

Thanks Shirl, will give it a try.

[sveldstra]

Just wanted to let you know I'm still hear listening in, and using what I'm hearing, but I'm working on some ATC's for a trade in the QDC (Boy that sounds very like business-speak). Anyways, don't want to post them as it would ruin the surprise (no peeking Elaine and Dee). I'll pm them for your comments once they are a little further along. Didn't want you to think I was skipping class.:wave:

[noodle1]

Hi, sorry bout the uploader issue Chammi....anyone too if there's a problem re-check uploader -how to.. etc, in our Information Kiosk in the forum.
Sometimes if it doesn't go through the first time and you try immediately again renaming it works. or Or try the "paper clip" - Attachment tool too.

Elaine

[*dee*]

Ahhh, I bet it was the renaming that worked the times I had trouble at first (I also tried cropping just the teeniest bit).

[chammi kaiser]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Jan-2009/39224-Squirrel3_2.JPG

:clap: :clap: :clap: At last I have managed to upload. Thanks for all the suggestions. I re-sized and re-named and Voila!!!
This is the next stage of the squirrel. I have darkened the deep shadow areas around the leaves with a mixture of Hookers Green and a touch of Burnt Sienna. I wanted a good dark base so that individual hairs would stand out clearly.

I have layered various tones in the tail area. As you can see, some hairs are crossing each other, others are curved. This gives the bushy appearance. I used a rigger 3 for the tail. Once the entire body hair is in place, I will start punching up a few lights and darks.

In the actual painting, all the colours are brighter. I scanned this but it is a little dull. Sorry about that.

Although the hairs are crisscrossing and curving here and there, they are still painted from the root in the direction of growth. In the tail area above the head, you can clearly see this.

Please feel free to ask any questions at this stage and then I will move on.

An exciting day for my U.S. friends with the inauguration of Obama. I am sure you will all be watching TV and playing hooky from this classroom. Oh well, this is one tolerant teacher, so see you all tomorrow.

Chammi.

[Alison2]

Hi Alison. I use it in the beginning stages because it helps transparency. Later there will be more use of opaque colours to give more body to the painting. The transparent early stages help me to still see my drawing showing the the form of the animal.


Thanks Chammi, much appreciated! Am really enjoying seeing yours and Dees little fellas appear before me!

Alison:wave:

[Prickles]

oohh this is looking good I have almost finish my under painting I went for the challenge and did Teddy:thumbsup: :wave:

[chammi kaiser]

Well done Briar. Looking forward to seeing Teddy.

[Shirl Parker]

What tool or brush did you use for the fine hairs?

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Shirl,

I used a number 3 rigger which is nice as it holds lots of paint but produces really fine lines. Riggers were used for painting the fine lines of the rigging on ships. Not sure whether they have another name - long fine hairs on the brush.

[Shirl Parker]

Thanks Chammi. I have a 1, 3 and a 5 which also go under the name of script liner. I did a little research on google, but couldn't find any definite difference between the two names. W&N was the only one I found calling it a rigger and it looks just like my script liners. Potato patawto.:)

[Prickles]

:wave: one undertone cat

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/20-Jan-2009/131555-undertone_ted.JPG

I nick name this guy Teddy Evil :evil: he don't look so evil :evil: pink & blue does he

1st coat I eill build it up:wave:

[biddlebeach]

love your kitty@

[Prickles]

thanks I am stuck at the mo trying to work out where to go next how to put more under tone, so I have worked on the eyes & nose and hidding in the computer room avoiding it

well here goes my tea cup is empty so I need to go passed it

deep beathe be brave bye

[IanArt]

Looks good so far Chammi! I find for detail work on fur a good #1 round water colour brush works very well (I paint in acrylic) - sable or synthetic brush. If you get a high quality one it holds and delivers the paint very well. I used riggers at one time but find I have more control with the #1 when painting in the direction that is opposite of the way I am comfortable.

I am enjoying this class well done.

Ian

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Briar. I am so delighted you are giving Teddy a go. He is looking good. His shoulders seem a little narrow or is he just a very slender cat???!! Do you have a reference photo for us to see. I am curious to know what colour he is and why you have chosen a pink undertone. Keep a pot of tea ready, plenty of cups to drink during the process.

I am working on the next stage of the squirrel and want it finished by the weekend so we can concentrate on birds and feathers but no reason to stop painting fur pictures. We will just pop the posts in amongst the feather stuff.

See you all later today with an update.

Wiedersehen.

[IanArt]

Looks good so far Chammi! I find for detail work on fur a good #1 round water colour brush works very well (I paint in acrylic) - sable or synthetic brush. If you get a high quality one it holds and delivers the paint very well. I used riggers at one time but find I have more control with the #1 when painting in the direction that is opposite of the way I am comfortable.

I am enjoying this class well done.

Ian

[Painter Nan]

just found this and will watch carefully. I am new to acrylics and won't try yet, but am taking notes.

[Prickles]

hi Chammi would you beleive it he is black but I did a tone lightner on the puter & saw red & blue gray but it was mention not to use white to apauge so I used pink & blue it is stroger now I have been working more on it

ok here is a pink teddy
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jan-2009/131555-tedtedpink.JPG

hehehehe I am distroying his Reputation as being known as Teddy Evil :evil:

here is the ref pic

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jan-2009/131555-tedtedted1smallpic.jpg

[noodle1]

Everyone doing so well, Chammi I'm setting Alex the cat on the easel this morning I so want to get back here and join in..wish me luck..lol
Oh and I love your squirrel, I've had three as pets, somewhere I have a painting I did of one of them, if I find it I'll show you to get your opinion.

All the kitty n doggie photos adorable, you guys are putting me to shame, you're doing so well with yours..

Okay to work, see ya a bit later.
Elaine

[chammi kaiser]

Ian. Thanks for the contribution. Glad you are enjoying the class. Yes, I agree with you # 1 sables are a joy but pretty expensive when one does a lot of animals. I love working with sables and sometimes stand myself to one or two when things are going well. I have got so used to my riggers that I would be pretty lost without them.

Briar: dear girl, I think you are doing him an injustice calling him Teddy Evil. He is adorable and a real character. I have checked your reference carefully and see that the problem is that you have made too much of a
'bump' on the shoulder area to the left of my screen. Just round it slightly and make it a little longer and Bob's yer Uncle!!! Looking really good. Keep going.

Welcome Nancy - nice to have you with us. Please feel free to ask any questions. Don't be shy . We all had to start somewhere and you will get lots of encouraging advice.

Hi Elaine. Goody. Looking forward to Alex.

Will be posting update on squirrel within the hour.

[chammi kaiser]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/21-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10004.JPG

So here we go with the next update of the little red guy. I have put a glaze of van Dyke red over the tail area to bring up more reds.

Have painted layers of fur on the body. Note they are all going in the direction of growth although some overlap and curl under to give an impression of depth. The facial hair is much finer and shorter and grows in various directions. The hair on the leg is longer and coarser so the strokes are a little thicker.

I will work on the background and the paws and feet during the next stage. The paws have long claws and require some serious concentration to get the proportions right. No time today but hope he will be finished tomorrow.

Please feel free to ask any questions regarding colours used, glazing , whatever your interest might be.

Looking forward to the works on your easels.

Chammi.

[*dee*]

I hadn't thought of glazing my squirrel...and glazing is something I do with other things...just haven't with any critters. Hmmm, it would even out his coloration a bit without sacrificing the highlights.

[noodle1]

Hi Chammi, I'm so far behind I think I'm first LOL That squirrel is amazing, I expect to hear the "chitter" sounds they make.

Well sat as long as I could, little hip thing going on, and as I was painting it I realized something not right, the more I painted I could see it was the nose wasn't proportioned right, so had to go back and redo that.

You are so right in your sketch at the start important!! But it was so subtle that I didn't see it til I started laying down the paint..now to define that area better, angle makes it look so broad, right now it looks awful, need to redo over original darks and lights..I may never finish this..LOL

So not much done I'm sad to say but I actually think I got the color better. All will be base work and then I'll go back in and detail it reading your "helps" and "techniques". But here's what I did, not much I know but I'm workin' on it..lol I tend as well not to work "all over" habit perhaps but I seem to concentrate better that way. LOL

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2009/139027-2_Alex.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Jan-2009/139027-Alex.jpg

I'll be back hoping to do more today...

Elaine :wave:

[biddlebeach]

THOSE EYES !!! Elaine!! beautiful!

[sveldstra]

The eyes and ears are great, the nose will come.

[chammi kaiser]

Elaine. No problem at all. Of course you will finish it. The eyes are absolutely lovely. I have a confession to make. I am totally hooked on eyes and always start with the eyes before I get into anything else. I think you are spot on with the colour. It is working like a charm. Only you know how wide, how narrow your cat's nose is. The viewers haven't got a clue but if it is a commission, that changes things somewhat!! Thanks glad you like my little 'red guy'.

Dee. Glazing over the darks and highlights somehow seems to bring the whole painting together. You never lose the hightlights unless you make the glaze too dark or too thick - be careful -rather mix with a lot of glazing medium. Otherwise you have to start all over again with the highlights and that is highly irritating and time-consuming. Better to do a second glaze if you are not happy with the first. That is the absolute beauty of acrylics.

[*dee*]

On other things I use glazes a lot...and usually a lot of thinly colored ones. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to use it on fur.

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Dee. Always something new to learn. That's what is so exciting about being an artist.

[Beautiful_Butterflies_Studio]

Okay I'm hooked line and sinker, I just won't have the time to participate, but definetly watching and learning.

Question - how do you represent fur that is facing directly onto the viewer???

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Stacey. It is exactly the same principle. Take a look at a cat or dog facing you. The hair or fur is always in overlapping layers - being a little straighter than from the side view. There does seem to be a sort of middle parting from under the chin to the space between the front legs where the hair turns on one side slightly to the left of the parting and the other side to the right. Hair on the legs will be longer and more straight . Of course in 'curly' animals, this will differ dramatically but still the same principle of layers( always in the direction of the growth) applies. Observation and sketching are the only way to really SEE . Hope this helps a little. So glad you are joining in.

[*dee*]

how do you represent fur that is facing directly onto the viewer???
Chammi, I think you misunderstood the question.

I had tried to ask the same question, but had a hard time explaining what I meant...One thing I've noticed (and I'm not sure how to remedy) is the direction of the hairs on my squirrel's tail at just about eye-level. In the photo you are looking at the tip of the individual hairs....in my painting the hairs are pointing off to the left. :confused: I'm not sure how to get the effect of looking at the tips of the hairs.....this ( .:.:. )...rather than this ( =_=-). Know what I mean?
I've turned my "examples" red, maybe that will help clarify. :confused:

[LavenderFrost]

You are all doing a wonderful job on your animals.

To paint fur that is facing you, I think that is one of those cases where observation is the key. Paint what you see and it should work out. Dee, I think you did manage to figure it out on your squirrel. It looked good to me.

Chammi, I hope I will be ready to join in when you get to doing feathers. I'm sure I will be looking for advice because my reference isn't very clear and for some reason I'm doing the painting large, 16x 20". :rolleyes:

[*dee*]

Dee, I think you did manage to figure it out

Boy, I hope so! In any case it is done! I gave it a light glaze of burnt sienna & yellow ochre...here it is....

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Jan-2009/156775-squirell_finished.jpg.jpg

[chammi kaiser]

I am moving on to feathers now but please continue with your fur and hair paintings and post them – also any questions you need answering . We are running this classroom for two weeks and it includes both fur and feathers. Please don’t feel you have to drop everything and get on with painting plumage!!!!!



FEATHERS

Most of us love birds (at least most of them – ravens are not my favourite). We are fascinated by their ability to fly, their songs and most of all their plumage. By the way did you know they do not have flexible bodies. Their wings have hollow bones and they can only move their necks ,legs and wings. What makes them so very special and different from all other animals , are their feathers.

Feathers are similar to scales and they are very light and flat. They have interlocking barbules that hook together to make the feather strong and stiff but not heavy.

The greatest feather pattern is on the wings so I have drawn you the wing structure which applies to most birds. I think it would be a good idea to copy this rather than just print it out. It will reinforce your knowledge of the way a wing is constructed, particularly if you are a beginner bird artist.

Most birds have ten large feather called Primaries or Flight Feathers.

Then there are the 10 Secondary Feathers which are shorter.

The Scapular Feathers lie between the Secondary Feathers and the body. These vary in number according to the bird species. Nobody is going to count them anyway unless your have a commission from an Ornithologist!!!!! However, it is important that you get the number of Primaries and Secondaries right otherwise you will have a Dodo!!!

I have painted the various types of feathers in different colours to make it easier for you.


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10010.JPG

If you are painting the underside of the wing (spreading wings) , there is another set of feathers just above the Scapular Feathers called Coverts . These will also vary in number from bird to bird.

Different birds have different sized wings (of course they do – you say!!!). But I am going to explain it anyway so that next time you take a really close look.
Big birds, like Eagles and Albatrosses need to reach high altitudes . They have large long wings so that they can soar and glide over long distances. I am always in awe when I watch an eagle soaring and catching the thermals.

Ducks and Geese have sturdy, heavy bodies . Therefore their wings are broad and strong so that they can take off from water – quite a feat when you think about it.

Little sparrows , tits and other tiny birds, have small compact wings, much shorter in proportion to their bodies.

******************

I can never emphasise enough the value of SKETCHING. Although photos, books, magazines and the work of other artists are very helpful indeed, there is no substitute for direct observation and quick sketches.

The more you practise, the better you will become. You will be subconsciously teaching yourself to really look at your subject.

I know it is not easy at zoos and public places which are full of people – rather offputting if you hate folk peering over your shoulder as you work. However, there really is no excuse not to sketch. There are garden birds and always a pigeon to be found somewhere (most accommodating creatures) so that is a good way to get going. Let us not forget hens and roosters. Their colourful plumage is a joy to paint (of course once you have done lots of nice sketches!!!!!)

A pair of powerful binoculars is really helpful when studying plumage. Beg , borrow but don’t steal a pair and you will be fascinated.

Habitats as Background: You have chosen your bird from a photograph and or a drawing. Perhaps you saw the bird at the zoo or in an aviary. It is worthwhile Googling to see what it’s natural habitat is and incorporating it into your background. This will make your painting so much more authentic and interesting.

When painting feathers, you will use a similar technique to that of painting fur and hair. The texture is built up in layers.

I am really looking forward to a lot of participation in this so please post your photos, drawings, works in progress, whatever you like. Sharing and commenting are food to the artist’s soul and creativity.

This is a painting of an owl which I did last year. Unfortunately , I cannot find the reference photo but hope this inspires you to give it a go. It is really not as difficult as you might think.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Jan-2009/39224-72c.jpg


Cheers,

Chammi.

[Prickles]

I have been avoiding mine I 'm not happy with it
but I am being pro active in my avoidance I have been sewing all day hehehehe

[sveldstra]

Thanks for the ornithology lesson Chammi. I never knew that birds had set numbers of feathers in parts of their wings. Shows how much attention I was paying in biology class. I love this place I learn something new every day.:wave:

[LavenderFrost]

Wow Chammi, I thought that owl was a reference photo.

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Stacey. Nice to have you with us.

Dee. I think the glaze has really pepped your little fellow up. Very cute as well. Well done.

Lavender. I am so pleased you are joining in, and looking forward to your
reference as well.

We seem to have very few participating in this workshop, lots watching. Is the thought of painting fur and feather too intimidating or are the techniques too detailed?

When painting feathers, the basic anatomy is simply a guide line so that even if you paint loosely, the form is imprinted in your minds so that whatever technique you use, your painting will persuade your viewer that you have an intimate relationship with your subject.

Briar. I know those 'avoidance tactics ' sooooo well. I sometimes start something and just can't face the next step, so spend hours going through art books, planning meals, etc. etc. Just climb in and show us what you have. Hate sewing so that doesn't come into the equation. My husband sews all the buttons on in our house!!!!!!

Sveldstra: SO DO I!!!!!!

[Prickles]

hi chammi well late last night before I went to bed I re painted him black & grey under tone then avoided him all day hehehehe this evening I started or tried to do the fur stokes
it is in his tail and lower part of his legs ( if you can see it)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/131555-poor_ted.JPG

poor Ted I liked him better pink & blue

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Briar. I think he is coming along fabulously, a few of those nice grey/blue highlights in the fur in his tail and then move on. Just love that 'are you thinking of messing with me' expression. Is that right ear perhaps a little too long? Checked the reference and perhaps it is a little narrower. Suggest you also have a look. I love Teddy and he is definitely not a 'pink and blue' character!!!!

[lilbelle]

Great classroom Chami! Well i thought I would join in on the fun and I've been wanting to paint a hummingbird for awhile now so this is a quick one I painted yesterday.
Hummingbird 8x10 in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02631.JPG

I may have time to try another one, maybe a bit more detailed :)

[Shirl Parker]

I am just beginning work on this. It is a leucistic ruby throated hummingbird. Just a background and outline of the bird so far. Here's the reference photo:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/113427-Leucistic_Hummingbird.jpg

I have the photographer's permission to paint it.

I did a Kiskadee and a Sharp Skinned Hawk previously, but they were in Oil Pastel and Watercolor.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Oct-2008/113427-CCF10222008_00000.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/19-Dec-2007/113427-Sharp_Skinned_Hawk.JPG

[pacmanJohn]

Getting on this thread late in the game. Very nice work. Chammi, thank you for running with this. Very informative.

Elaine, I don't think I would put one hair on that cat. Looks wonderful like it is.

I've only painted a few animals but wanted to post one I did a couple of years ago. Just wanted to say that I painted this with a #6 old hog bristle brush that was very 'sprawled' out and raveled a bit. Very efficient as you have multiple bristles working for you, just used the tips of the bristles to create the 'hairs'. I liked this as it created a softer hair than I would get with a diluted script liner that can create such as strong 'hard-edged' stroke. Just a suggestion.

8" x 10", 2 hours
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/114117-Bunny.jpg

[*dee*]

John, that rabbit is wonderful! He looks ready to dart off!

I've used a stiff old raggedy brush before & it worked quite well!

[lilbelle]

Shirl, that is a really nice reference photo!
John, what an adorable rabbit. Great fur and reflection in the eye!

I've decided to paint a Blue Jay next. I've just sketched it out so far and put in some lights and darks.
8x10 in. canvas
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/25-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02635.JPG

[OkeeKat]

Here are a few little furry guys for the thread!!
425223
425224
And a few feather ones too!!
425226
425227
and my present on easel project.. coming along
425225

[chammi kaiser]

LILLIAN: I love the colours on the neck of your humming bird. Beautiful. What colour did you use. You have certainly a lovely metallic look. Wonderful for a quick painting. Thanks so much for sharing. If you are going to paint this 'big' which it deserves, although those flowers are stunning, I think the background needs a little more umphh!!

SHIRL: A lovely delicate bird and I am really looking forward to seeinghow you are doing with the painting. I love the reference.

JOHN: Just shows what you can do with old brushes and some creativity. See, folks - never throw away old friends!!! I love the fur on the rabbit and the way you have caught that very timid and alert look. Like it very much - thanks so much for sharing.

LILLIAN: That Jay is looking great. Proportions good - really looking forward to the next step. So glad you are joining in and sharing. We can all learn so much from each other.

Kathie . They are all terrific paintings but the two I really love are that soft velvety grey cat and the bird of prey. What a pleasure for all of us to see these paintings. Thanks so much for going to the trouble of posting them. Really appreciate your input.

HERE IS A PAINTING I DID A WHILE AGO OF A SPARROW. My husband and I are very concerned about the rarity of sparrows in our area and we are working hand in hand with the Wildlife Society here to promote the
breeding of these absolutely lovely sociable little birds. Any questions, gladly answered. I used several references, lots of sketches and can't remember whose photo it was in the reference library but it helped a lot with the close-up work.

[chammi kaiser]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Jan-2009/39224-76._Rettet_den_Spatz.JPG

[chammi kaiser]

I know we are all attracted to the colourful exotic type birds, but it is really worthwhile to take a look at the absolutely beautiful muted colours to be found in simple garden birds. Here are a few which you might like to look up in bird books or Google. They are worth painting.

GOLDCREST: This tiny 9 cm long bird has glorious streak of gold on his head and the feathers on the wing have warm shades of brown. The chest is fluffy with lots of downy feathers.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE: Wonderful glossy beak , soft grey on the shoulders and a great little black mask.

PIED FLYCATCHER: yellow brown on the wings, lots of lovely white feathers between the dark browns. Two cheeky little white specks just above the beak.

BLACK REDSTART. A grumpy-looking little character - lots of fun to capture that personality. Glorious reddish gold feathers below the tail.

CRESTED TIT: Funny little chap with a 'punk' hairstyle. Lovely markings in the crest and around the neck and face.

CHAFFINCH - A little larger 15 cms long with a lovely grey cape and cloak and terracotta chest feathers with white and black wings.

These are but a few but I hope I have inspired you a little to tackle something different. If anyone has some good photos of any of the above species, it would be great if you could share them with us.

Wiedersehen

Chammi.

[LavenderFrost]

Lillian, that hummer looks familiar. I love the purples you got on there. I resorted to using a little neon pink to make mine look shiny.

John, that bunny looks so soft and cute. And the pacman was easy to find. :D

[lilbelle]

Thanks Chammi, You are right I didn't spend a lot of time on the background :o just a quick study on finding the right colours for the hummingbird. The colours I used for the neck are Prism Violet (Liquitex) and process Magenta. Wonderful job on your sparrow! I just looked outside and my front tree was full of Waxwings eating the berries and snow. Of course they flew away as soon as I went out to get a picture :(

Michelle, I used a reference from the RIL. I just saw the version you did of this one painted on a rock. It looks great!

Here is an update on my Blue Jay.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02638.JPG

[chammi kaiser]

Lillian: The background is wonderful. Lots of lovely subtle colours. This is going to be soooo good. Looking forward to the next step.

[lilbelle]

I've worked on it a bit more.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/26-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02641.JPG

[Shirl Parker]

Very nice Lillian.

[OkeeKat]

Thanks Chammi, glad to input for ya. I appreciate the compliments
Lillian, love your little bluejay, how beautiful, the hummingbird was gorgeous too!!
John great little bunny!!

Here is my little hummingbird I did from two photos.
425349

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Lilian. Colours are looking lovely. Would just check the number of primaries (feathers) see sketches above. Important that they read correctly as your painting is quite detailed. The background is perfect.

[chammi kaiser]

Kathie. I do like your little hummingbird - particularly entranced with the surroundings - almost like a fairytale world.

[pacmanJohn]

Lilian, Kathie, Chammi... Excellent work on these birds. Kathie, that hummingbird looks like it could fly right off my monitor.

Thanks for sharing, and thanks again Chammi for leading this.

[LavenderFrost]

That's very nice Kathie. And your blue jay is looking good Lillian.

I'm still working on a background but I'll start posting mine when I start on the bird.

[lilbelle]

Nice to see your lovely paintings again Kathie.
Thank you for the comments everyone! Chammi, I think I have the correct number of feathers now ;) I finished it yesterday and had time to paint another one. This time a red-winged blackbird.

"Blue Jay" 8x10in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02651.JPG

"Red-winged Blackbird" 9x11in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02648.JPG

Thank you for the classroom Chammi, it was fun!

[chammi kaiser]

Lillian your Bluejay is perfect. Love it. Right number of feathers!!!!
The background and those wonderful corn leaves (they are corn leaves?!!) are so beautifully painted. Perhaps a touch more shadow on the beak to give it a 'shine' and a little more detail on the wing feathers and it is done, ready to sell and just lovely. I am so pleased that you have enjoyed the classroom.

My pleasure John. At last I am able to give something back in response to all I have learned here in WC.

I will be loading some bird sketches from my sketch book so show you all
my next challenge for a painting of an eagle. Unfortunately my scanner is giving me problems but my hubby will be back on Thursday to help me sort it all out so hopefully I will be able to share these sketches with you. I spend a lot of time on sketching before painting and hope these will inspire you to do the same.

[lilbelle]

Thank you Chammi! The blackbird is in a pond standing on some bullrushes.
I made a few changes that you suggested. As hard as I looked at the reference ( I even got out the magnifier) I could not see any feather detail at all on it's front. This one will have to be suggested :rolleyes:
Looking forward to seeing your sketches!

[lilbelle]

I'm getting on kinds of glare on this one.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02654.JPG

[lilbelle]

Another quick one where the feathers are mainly suggested.

"Puffin" 8x10in.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jan-2009/103642-DSC02168.JPG

I think that is it for me for birds (for now anyway)!
Thanks again Chammi!

[biddlebeach]

Lillian! lovely!

[chammi kaiser]

Lillian. I love your Puffin. Have never seen one but ever since my childhood have longed to meet one 'in the flesh'. The feathers on the head are great. I wasn't referring to the chest feathers but rather the feathers on that lovely red wing.

[chammi kaiser]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Jan-2009/39224-Scan10011.JPG


http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Jan-2009/39224-scan10011_2.jpg

These are two sketches I have done and hope to turn them into paintings. I am a a great believer in sketches before painting. I feel the preparation is an integral part of the painting process.

The Bateleur I saw in the Kalahari Gemsbok Park in South Africa. This absolutely amazingly large bird of prey is a stunning specimen with red and black in it's plumage and beak. It will be a challenge but I am looking forward to painting it.

[LavenderFrost]

Wow Lillian! You do such a nice job so quickly.

[noodle1]

Chammi this is such a wonderful class, I love your sketches, so well done. They will make fabulous paintings.

Lillian those are wonderful, I have a Puffin I'd love to start, but I'm so slow
at everything..I'm still on "fur".

I apologize Chammi I so wanted to be a part of this, but good news is this class will be around for a long long time which offers me, the "turtle" an opportunity to participate...lol Everyone doing such terrific things here...:thumbsup:

Elaine

[chammi kaiser]

Well , basically, I am done. Thanks so much for all your input and I do hope that you have enjoyed it. Thanks Elaine. I'll be checking up regularly to see if I can help in any way. Would appreciate any rating or comments on this so that I can improve wherever possible and hopefully do another classroom some time.

Wiedersehen

Chammi.

[biddlebeach]

Chammi, Great job! you have inspired me to get that painting off my wall and re do it! not sure when I will get to it, but I will post it when i do. and would appreciate the help if you decide to offer any!
I am so happy I found this sight!

[*dee*]

Chammi, Thank you so much. You've done a great job! And after the unveiling of our QDC-ATCs you'll see that I put your classroom to work.

The feathers part was especially a help, and came at a good time.

[lilbelle]

Chammi, thank you so much for hosting this classroom and sharing your knowledge :thumbsup: You did great and it was fun! You've inspried me to have another try at fur which is what I am working on right now.

Thank you again for the comments on my birds. I was hoping to see more entries from others but I guess it's ongoing so I will be checking back. Great job on all the fur paintings also.

Well done Chammi! :clap:

[Shirl Parker]

Thanks Chammi. I'll post my progress on the hummer as soon as it's dry enough to scan. Oh, those Golden Opens!

[sveldstra]

Thank you so much for running the class Chammi. I really enjoyed following along unfortunately getting ready for the next one has kept me from participating as much as I would have liked. I've book marked it though, and I hope you don't mind but if I really get stuck on something I may pm you to ask questions. I hope you will post the painting of the birds of prey when you are finished.:clap: :clap: :clap:

[chammi kaiser]

Dee. I am not sure what QDC - ATC's are but whatever they are thanks!!!!!

Mary: I am always there to help whenever you need advice.

Shirl: Looking forward to your hummer.

Veldstra. No problem at all. Will be there for you.

[Shirl Parker]

Here's the beginnings of my hummer. Just an underpainting with a few details so far.
Golden Open on 8x10 canvas panel.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/31-Jan-2009/113427-P1000896.JPG

[LavenderFrost]

Chammi, you did a great job here. I was away from the easel for a few days, but I hope within the next couple of days I will start my bird.

[Charlie's Mum]

Many, many thanks Chammi for all your hard work (which may well be continuing as people go on posting!!!)

I do hope people have rated this excellent thread - super classroom! :D

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Shirl. Looking good. The tree bark is super. Looking forward to the next stage.

Lavender. Thank you so much. I really enjoyed being part of this classroom. Also looking forward to your bird.

Maureen. You are a pal. Really appreciate your words. Not sure what rating is all about. Haven't really been involved in this much but whatever happens with the rating, I have had immense pleasure sharing whatever techniques I have to help you all. A great experience and I have also learnt a lot. luv.

[LavenderFrost]

Finally got a start on my flicker. I base coated with black first. I have the outline drawn on a separate piece of paper so that I could draw it with a grid and then transfer my lines whenever I need to. I started putting in the markings when I realized I should add a bit of highlight to the black in places first, so I had to backtrack a bit. :rolleyes: Then I put in the markings with gray. I hope the hard part is over now.

I'm not sure how I feel about the background greens. Maybe it's too abstract to go with the rest of the painting? But I would hate to have to paint it over now.

There's a glare on the left side.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/104871-flickerwip2_600.jpg

Here's my reference.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Feb-2009/104871-flickerrefweb.jpg

[lilbelle]

Good start Shirl!
Michelle, I think the background looks good the way it is. I like the rock. Great job on the bird so far!

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Shirl,
I like the background and think it is absolutely okay. I would put a very weak (lots of medium) and a touch of burnt sienna glaze over the bird and then punch in the darks. The light areas will stay light. You are doing so well. Really looking forward to the next step.

[*dee*]

Shirl, I like the colors just fine! And your flicker is coming along beautifully!

[Shirl Parker]

I'm thinking youse guys are mixing me up with LavenderFrost?

[LavenderFrost]

LOL yeah, they got our names mixed up.

I worked on the tail and body yesterday. I did try to glaze some brown on it, but it looked funny and I painted over most it again. But there is a bit of colour showing. There are still some bits to finish on the body, and then the head.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Feb-2009/104871-flickerwip3_600.jpg

This time the glare is on the right side of the painting.

[LavenderFrost]

I hope this is finished. I went over the markings on the bird a few times.

16x20" on hard board. I spent about 25 hours on the whole thing.

The bird.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/104871-flickerwipcrop.jpg

The whole painting.
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/104871-flicker480x600.jpg

Did you finish your hummingbird Shirl?

[Shirl Parker]

Not yet LavenderFrost. I may work on it this afternoon when a friend comes over to paint. I've been dog nannying since Friday at another friend's house. They've gone to Laredo for his mother's 95th or 96th birthday.

[RPut]

Late for class as usual! Here's Mannie a Dog Commission for a friend. I think it is done. It's a combo of a couple refs. The lighting is probably not accurate as one picture (water scene) the light was from the top back right, and the other close up of his face was from the front. But I guess when you are doing a memeory pic for a client, the portrait is more important than the art. I also tried to show wet dog and some dry for the curl as if he just got in the water to look for his rocks. Are the eye highlights too much? Let me know if there's anything I should do.
Sorry so late.....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/08-Feb-2009/117502-IMG_3931.JPG
Thanks, Ruthie

16x20
Acrylic on Canvas

[chammi kaiser]

Ruthie. A great job on the water. Like the wet and dry look. Very well done. You have put your finger on a slight problem - the highlights in the eyes. They make him look as if he is really staring. Just a tick too much. Make sure you line them up so that he does not look squint!! Like this very much.

Lavendar. He is lovely. I would just round off that eye with a touch of something like transparent raw sienna to give it a little bit more glow and the red on his neck - perhaps on one side where the light is touching it a glaze of cadmium red mixed with a little orange or darken the other side. It is up to you but I think you have done a terrific job. Congrats.

[LavenderFrost]

Thanks Chammi. I'm not sure if I really understand what you mean. But I don't know if I can touch this anymore, I might have an emotional breakdown. lol

Very nice work Ruthie!

[chammi kaiser]

Lavendar - leave it alone. Please please don't have an emotional breakdown. It's lovely as it is - sign it frame it.

[LavenderFrost]

Thank you Chammi. :D I am now working up the ambition to do another bird and rock painting.

[Shirl Parker]

I think I've put the finishing touches on my hummer, unless someone sees a glaring error.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-Feb-2009/113427-CCF11022009_00000-3.jpg

[chammi kaiser]

Hi Shirl, I think this is very cute - just feel you could put a touch more shadow in the breast feathers (always in the way they are growing)- perhaps a little very light lavendar or soft mauve - a lovely contrast to the yellow. Otherwise well done.

[robertsloan2]

Shirl, I like your unusual hummer! It's very bright and it's got good rounded shape, pops right off the canvas.

[Shirl Parker]

Thanks Chammi. I think there is a good bit of definition on the breast that got lost in the scan.

Thanks Robert. I don't know if you saw the post where I said it was a Leucistic Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, the photo painted with permission from my friend's son, Hugh Lieck, a great photographer living near the King Ranch.

[LavenderFrost]

Your hummer looks very sweet Shirl!

[Prickles]

Hi Chammi here is Teddy Evil finish thanks for hosting

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/16-Feb-2009/131555-ted_finish.JPG

[chammi kaiser]

Briar. That is really a cat with an attitude and you have captured the look very well indeed. Does he bite? Well done.

[Prickles]

Hi Chammi does scatches count he has been a right pain in butt today soooo playful he chases you around & jumps out at you soooo funny

[biddlebeach]

I finally got started on my dog! here is where I got last night on her

[LavenderFrost]

I love the expression on that cat, Briar.

[Prickles]

thanks Lavender he is so hard to get a good pic of him

Mary I luv the ears

[biddlebeach]

Thanks! got to work on her for a bit tonight, here she is

[chammi kaiser]

What a cute dog! You are coming along nicely. Watch that muzzle that it is not too defined with the lines around it. Looking forward very much to the next stage.

[biddlebeach]

Thanks Chammi,
will get to work more on her later today. will post updates.
she is so dark,, or rather WAS so dark, any suggestions on how to get her black? without using solid black?
how am I doing with the direction of the hair? And, where do I start?
so many questions,, so little time!

[biddlebeach]

here is today's update,

[chammi kaiser]

Looking good Mary. The direction of the hair is coming along nicely. A good black is a mixture of Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue. I tend towards using a little more of the blue for a blue/black colouring in the dog and more of the sienna if the dog's fur is more brown/black. Always put a touch of very pale grey in the white of the eye otherwise it is too stark. What is that little blue point above the neck? Is it a scarf? Personally, I would simply leave it out unless you are putting in more of the scarf around the neck. The muzzle is looking much better now. Really looking forward to your next posting. Well done.

[biddlebeach]

Here is today's installment,,
Chammi, that blue pointed thingy, was her tail,, I had not been so sure about it, so you helped make my decision for me! thanks!

[chammi kaiser]

Wonderful Mary. The hair is spot on. Well done. You are doing so well. Really looking forward to the finish on this adorable dog.

[biddlebeach]

Thanks Chammi,
any suggestions on background colors? not sure on those yet. in the ref pic, she was on a beige colored couch.

[chammi kaiser]

Mary, if it were my painting , I would paint a very delicate background of the burnt sienna of her muzzle or a soft greyish blue. She takes up a lot of the picture, so wouldn't go overboard with the background - just a suggestion of colour. Hope this helps a little. Beige would not be my choice.

[biddlebeach]

Yeh, I hated that couch anyway, LOL
thanks!

[biddlebeach]

Okay, I think I am calling her done! here she is.

[Sage Omnia]

These all look like very good starts to me.

[chammi kaiser]

Mary. She's done and she's gorgeous. Hard work, I know, but you persevered and produced something lovely. Sign it, frame it. Big hug.

[susme48]

Chammi....sorry for my lack of participation...in Jan. I had a show to get ready for, and then I lost my caregiver for my special needs son...so it got a bit crazy here!

I thought I would post some of what I have done in the past....and their refs...I can see some of what I would do different if doing them again. Would love you input, and have truly enjoyed following this class, learning even if not posting! Thank you so much for doing this for us!!!!!

428709
I was particularly proud of the cat and dog, I painted it for my daughter; it is of a feral rescue cat who decided their dog was its savior and would not sleep unless the dog was there to curl up with.
428712
These are my 3 dogs...
428713
The parrot was an experiment in trying to paint in a looser style on some black artboard.

Thank you again for all your valuable information!

[biddlebeach]

I like em!! they look great!

[chammi kaiser]

Susan. Thanks so much for the input. What a busy girl you have been.
Wonderful ref pictures. The paintings are pretty good but am a little concerned about the wing of the bird (right wing). It seems to be rather to thick and solid. It has to do with the angle. Sorry I can't correct it for you - am not good at that photo shop stuff!! I can only explain that the it is not a bad idea to take the body as a measurement, in relationship to the other parts of the bird. You will see that the first part of the wing (underneath) should be longer and the wing itself is too long.
My favourite is your parrot. There are some lovely textures there and the feathers look good.
I'm sorry you have lost your care-minder for your son and do hope you have managed to find someone else. I know how difficult it is as I cared for my special needs nephew on many occasions and it is so important to find a loving and understanding person.
Hope you did well in the show.

[susme48]

Thanks, Mary!

Chammi, thank you for looking! I agree about the bird...just wish I had really looked before it was varnished...sigh! I see exactly what you mean. These paintings were done over 13 of the 17 months I 've been painting...and most of these were after about 7 months...except the bird...sigh.

What is funny is one I did for the WDE last May, and only put a little bit of effort into it...is the one that sold....:o I never thought it was very good. Hopefully my animals will get better!

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/22-Feb-2009/51170-animals_ref4.jpg

We did find a new lady for now. She and Bubba seem to be getting along. Nice to find someone who understands...how old is your nephew?

The show still has a week to go...so I don't know yet.

Thanks again, so much for looking! Hopefully I will have time to try an animal to see if I can use your techniques and improve my skills!

[old_hobbyist]

Well, I was going to exhibit in Fur and Feathers, with Angel, who has very colorful feathery wings. But after seeing all the cutsey doggies and birdies, I don't think Angel would be entirely appropriate! Maybe I'll post her in a separate thread. You see, Angel certainly needs the "mature" icon. Jim

[chammi kaiser]

Susan. I can see why it sold. It is very cute and gentle. My nephew is now over twenty but when I cared for him in South Africa, he was just seven and he spent school holidays with me over a period of ten years.
He has Downes Syndrome. Glad you have a new lady and that things are working out.

Russ. The mind boggles - a naked parrot, sparrow, eagle? Please post it soon. You have made me very curious.

[objectivistartist]

Russ. The mind boggles - a naked parrot, sparrow, eagle? Please post it soon. You have made me very curious. Indeed!!