Question for a size of canvas??

[Zena]

Hi,I want to paint a tiger on a very large canvas,mostly just his head and maybe abit of the chest.
What would be a good size canvas for this composition?Thanks so much,Jan

[Zena]

Hi,I want to paint a tiger on a very large canvas,mostly just his head and maybe abit of the chest.
What would be a good size canvas for this composition?Thanks so much,Jan
Maybe a dumb question::confused: ,but if i were to do just the head and a tad of the chest would the canvas not have to be more square than long.If i do part of the body i know i can get a more rectangular canvas.What sizes would you suggest please?Thanks,Jan

[hunterpaul]

well I dont know how to answer your question, I mean you can paint it as small or large as you like.... I personally, draw out my composition and change things as and when on the paper, then when Im happy with everything I transfer it across to my support, I always try to use a larger support than needed, and then it can be trimmed down... I use a self prepared MDF, I prepare this using gesso, I have just bought some canvas on the roll, and will follow the same thing, make it plenty big then cut down after.... I paint largish so I would advise large, but some people do the most amazing miniature paintings, detailed as hell... and Im sure they would say postage stamp size.... Paul

[Zena]

Thankyou Paul! I also admire those that can paint so small,i wish i could,lol.
I guess what i was asking is how large can i go with a canvas size for just the head and a tiny bit of chest on the tiger so as not to have too much open space on the top and bottom of the canvas.I am going to do the bg black .Thanks so much,Jan

[hunterpaul]

again that would depend on many factors... lets see the ref and that may help... with a plain blck BG, I dont think I would leave much on the outside... it is leading nowhere, and there is nothing of interest to wallow in... so I would try fill the frame as much as possible with tiger.... cant wait to see it, make sure you post it here... good luck with it... Paul

[Zena]

I want a snarling Tiger and may use this pic,not sure yet.http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Apr-2011/21385-sumatran-tiger.jpg

[birdlady]

YEEEEEEEEEOOOOOOOOOZZZZZZZZYYYYYYYY had to back up from the screen on this guy. SCARY!!!! I really think Paul gave u good advice and will wait to see what you decide on this. Its a great shot and would be exciting to work on if I had it.

good luck with your decision and will check back

Laurie

[Zena]

Hi Laurie,
Please feel free to use this photo as i won't get to doing it for awhile anyway!May even use another one. Will be nice to see what you do with it! Hugz,Jan

[hunterpaul]

Hi Jan, if this is the ref... you cant really crop much further, a dark BG would enhance it, but I would go for a green black, or brown black... black can be a bit harsh on its own.... size wise with that ref, I would go as large as I dare, so the biggest canvas you can find lol....

[Zena]

Wow! Thanks Paul! The photo was actually larger and i cropped it.
I will post pics but it will be awhile,lol

[Zena]

Well,i used a less intimidating photo and changed it some as i just want the head basically.I'm doing it on a 16 x 20 stretched canvas.I want to do a larger one later.I drew a rough sketch and mixed some burnt umber,green,and purple and got a nice dark brownish green color.First coat of the background is on,it needs another coat.I will post a pic soon if you like.Thanks,Jan

[FoggyMountain]

Jan, if Laurie chooses not to use this photo, I'd love to have the opportunity to use it. Please let me know Laurie.

I'd love to see your progress on the photo you did decide to use Jan.

[Zena]

Hi Lynn,I really don't mind if anyone wants to use this photo.I don;t think you and Laurie's would turn out exactly the same???Would it??As we all have our own style of painting.I don't know,lol.
Mine is definitely at the ugly stage right now but i may have to post it as i need some help.I'm wondering if the left ear is too big??I'll post a pic soon.Thanks,Jan

[Zena]

Ok,i'm scared to post this but i need the help.The canvas is 16 x 20.I used a projector to get the main outline and drew in the rest.Not sure the eyes are right yet or the nose.Have to get some input and also about that one ear?
I like the greeny eyes,what colors do you use for them?Any other help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.Not really sticking to one specific photo for this one.
Thanks so much,Janhttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Apr-2011/21385-Tiger_005.JPG

[hunterpaul]

Jan, have a look at it in the mirror, or turn it upside down, this will give you a new perspective on the piece, and any problem areas should show themselves... I would get he whole tiger covered in a light wash of burnt umber, and start filling in the stripes with a darker color of burnt umber and ultra marine blue mix, then start applying fur texture with titanium white, let it dry then wash over with the same burnt umber wash, this should provide some under painting, then go back into it with the ultra marine blue and burnt umber mix, and put in some dark fur... this should provide a nice base when dry to build your lighter fur over the top of.... continue in this manner building up the fur fur with white strokes and washing over them with burnt and raw siennas and yellow ochres.... until you acheive the desired color, letting some of the dark under fur show through, you will have to keep re establishing the darks in the stripes... while your paint is wet throughout the early process, using a clean dry brush, drag gently and blend the under fur details to soften them, then when you get to the guard hairs they can be a little harder edged... I would say the ear is a little large, but I havent seen the ref, so cant comment... avoid straight black, and I personally would leave the eyes and nose till last... hope this helps and you can understand what Im rabbiting on about... for a great tutorial, go to online arts web site... there are some top notch paintings on there and it is well worth a visit... Paul