Road Runner Commish - WIP

[DG-Studios]

So, I got a commission from my mom back in May to do a colored scratchboard of a road runner. I've been quietly chipping away at it since then. (Man I wish I wasn't so slow)

I've forgotten to take wip shots along the way, but here is where I'm at now.



It's an 11 X 14 ampersand board colored with diluted ampersand inks. I'm happy with how it's coming along (even if it is coming along slowly). But that yucca plant has been bugging me. It seems too bright compared to everything else. I would greatly appreciate some feedback.

Also, is there a way to make an actual red using just ampersand inks? The diluted form of carmine red comes out magenta and I need a bright red for his face markings.

Sorry about the picture. I'm not used to photographing my works.

[Harry Seymour]

Amy--this is fabulous. If you want to dull or mute a color you could use its complement. In this case a little red in or on green should work.

[ggart4u]

I agree with Harry... plus I've just put mulitple coats of the red on and let it soak in. Hurry, and finish it before he runs away!

[pamelalbd]

Good Stuff! Mom's Gonna be VERY HAPPY indeed!

[DG-Studios]

Thanks for the suggestion Harry, I'll give it a try. Hopefully it'll help.

And thank you for the encouragement Ginger and Pamela. I'm doing my best to get this finished up. Mom's been watching the progress along the way and she's been anxious to see it done too.

[Foxyheart2002]

I put some yellow in my 'red' and it almost makes a good red. Good job!

[snoball]

Super! She's going to be very happy with it. We have had a family of roadrunners here this summer to watch and they are fascinating.

[PatrickHedges]

Roadrunners are the weirdest looking birds - no wonder they made a cartoon about one. This is really good!

[DG-Studios]

Thank you Sue, Sno and Patrick. Roadrunner's are indeed interesting birds. One of my favorites. And now I'm thinking I should have titled the thread 'Meep Meep!' lol.

I took Harry's and Sue's advice for dulling down the green and getting a better 'red' with ampersand inks and I think it really worked wonders. Here's where I'm at now. I feel like it's done, but I'm open to any other suggestions.



Need to go outside and attempt for a better photograph.

[Harry Seymour]

Amy, I think it is great. You've done a wonderful job of coloring it.

[DG-Studios]

Thank you Harry.

[Foxyheart2002]

I like it. It is hard to make a roadrunner 'pop' as they blend into their background so well. The only thing I would change is where the background under the plant seems to go around the tail. Bring it down lightly to intersect the tail. Otherwise I would call it done.

[DG-Studios]

Thanks for the advice Sue. I did some light scratching in the area to cover that gap and took a much better photo.

[Foxyheart2002]

excellent! I would consider it finished.

[PatrickHedges]

Good adjustments. Well done on a fine piece!