Llama WIP - "Are YOU Talkin' to ME?"

[PaintDog]

I started this sometime last year but kept forgetting to scan it. I finally moved it to the top of the scanner where it's been sitting for weeks. Now stage 1 is scanned.

This one's on a 5 x 7 Ampersand Encausticbord. Someone in this group had mentioned trying it, so I thought I'd check it out too. I was hoping it would be an easier scratch than the Ampersand Aquabord (which I use for many of my color scratchy portraits), but it isn't. I'm going to go through a lot of blades on this guy, 'cause there's a lot of texture to work up. On the other hand, I really like the way it took the color for the background. There's some tooth to this board, it's not slick like the white Claybord, and it's not bumpy like the Aquabord.

So far, I have India ink (applied w/Rapidograph) and watercolor (background, eyes, tongue). Next step will be to add more watercolor. His neck/chest and muzzle are white, so I'll lay in a light neutral tan to give me something to scratch against. His back and the dark parts of his face are brown.

[snoball]

Looks very interesting Ann and I bet it will be amazing after you get all the color on and get it scratched.

[jbeausoleil]

very cool so far!

[Harry Seymour]

Good start and very interesting looking piece.

[tigress]

Nice start. I have never heard of this board but if it is not bumpy like the aqua board then I must try it. Thanks Fay

[PaintDog]

Thanks, Margaret, Jean, Harry & Fay!

The texture feels somewhat like a sanded pastel board, but with less "grit". It's definitely a hard surface - I'd say about as tough as that of the Aquabord. Didn't have any trouble inking or painting it. I can imagine it would be tough to do much glazing with watercolor or ink, but that wasn't a problem for my application. I just laid the paint on all at once, dropping colors in and letting them do what they wanted. For scratching, I've been using #16 X-Acto blades on it, but also a #11 to extend the ends of the shaggy white hairs. I can't recall if I tried a scalpel, but I think it needs the "oomph" of the heavier blades.

[Foxyheart2002]

I like the background. Can't wait to see it as it progresses.

[aaces]

Well I must say I'm a fan of the background already! I can't wait to see this one develop

[lorna12]

I'm a fan of the background, too and I like what you have done on the critter so far. I'll be coming back for more.

[birdlover]

I like that background too. Interested to see the llama.

[PatrickHedges]

I did backgrounds like that on a couple of pieces but yours is better. I'll have to try this board if I can get it here - or maybe I just need your talent instead!

[PaintDog]

Originally Posted by PatrickHedges

I did backgrounds like that on a couple of pieces but yours is better. I'll have to try this board if I can get it here - or maybe I just need your talent instead!

Oh cripes, Patrick - you have scads & oodles or your own talent, you sure don't need any of mine (but thanks for the compliment)!! Try the board if you can get it, I'm curious to get someone else's opinion.

Thanks everyone else for your comments too! I hope the llama lives up to the hype of the background.

[jeniart]

Love the bg! Looking forward to seeing how you tackle the llama Ann - I had such fun with mine.

[FoggyMountain]

Very cool looking even now. Looking forward to updates.