Wolf in Snow WIP (x-posted in A&W)

[annj]

Hi all

It's all Eliza's fault! She keeps sending me new toys to play with... I'm supposed to be packing, not scratching...

I saved a lovely photo of a wolf curled up in the snow, by Warrickh, from the RL a while ago, and have been itching to do it, but couldn't decide in what medium or style. Then Eliza sent me a fibre brush with my purchase of some more clayboard, and after a few plays with it, I thought this would be the right time to try this wolf.

So here is the beginning... just a few marks, working without a net again <g> Sorry about the quality of the image - the scanner I'm using of a friend's just doesn't seem able to cope with the very very fine lines the fibre brush produces.

Next, I decided to focus on the head to begin with, as the whole feeling of the piece revolves around the expression on the wolf's face, so I needed to find out if I could achieve that with this new toy.

Now I'm working out from the head, starting to pick out bits of the background, and developing the curl of the back, and the tail in the snow.

[Garbonzo]

Wow Ann,This is really beautiful. You've got the fur looking great. I'm anxious to see it completed. Will you be using color or leaving it B&W? You can't go wrong either way.

[Obedec]

Oh this is beautiful
Karen

[annj]

Thanks guys!

Harold, I don't plan to colour this one - that was the idea in the beginning. As I've been working on it I've toyed with the idea of colouring it in my mind, but I doubt I will. I'm not sure I could scratch back into it with the fibre brush successfully, without losing the wonderful tone it has in real life, which just isn't showing up on the digital image.

Plus I kinda just like the drama of the black and white.

[Dave Slaughter]

Great work. I can hardly wait for the finished piece. Thanks for posting.

[Bertoni]

A fine WIP!!!! The fur's looking real good! Hoping to see the finish.
Doesn't really need color...look fine in B&W!

[annj]

Thanks for your kind words, guys!

Here is the next instalment. I've almost finished the wolf except for tweaking bits here and there to do yet. I think I'll call the foreground finished too. Now for that pesky background!

This brush is fantastic, but it sheds worse than my 7 dogs put together! Bits of fibreglass flying in all directions <g>

[Celticelf]

Oh he is wonderful - perfect

[Diana Lee]

This is great! I love the texture and it actually makes me feel cold (and we are having quite a heat wave here in N. CA.)

Diana

[tanianault]

Wow - I really love how you handled the fur breaks and grizzled area over his back. And you really nailed his face: eyes and muzzle. I also like the off-camera gaze, I think it adds a bit of mystery and interest - makes me wonder what's he looking at?

I agree with Diana - I may just leave this one up on my computer - it's 29C (86F) here at 10:30am (it's supposed to go up to 37C 99F by this afternoon).

- Tania

[annj]

LOL Glad you guys are feeling colder from viewing this wolf <g> It's so cold here my fingers ache all day, so he's an appropriate subject for our season at the moment.

My eyes are very sore and swollen today, and my hands and arms had bits of fibreglass sticking into them! I think a shower after using that brush will be the order of the day from now on.

[tanianault]

Hi Ann:

I sympathsise with you entirely. Even after taking safety precautions, I still experienced itching - particularly with my eyes. Apparently, some people are more prone to the irritation fibreglass causes. It's the reason that despite the great effects, I chose to stop working with the fibreglass brush. I realise everything's a risk, but when I thought about the possible long-term effects I had to make a choice I was comfortable with.

Here's a link to a fact sheet from the American Lung Association about working with fibreglass - keeping in mind that these safety recommendations were designed for people working with the building insulation form of fibreglass:

http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=35439

And, just in case the ALA ever moves that page, here's their recommendations...

Skin:

• Wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved clothing and long pants.
• Do not tape sleeves or pants at wrists or ankles.
• Wear gloves.
• Do not scratch or rub your skin if fiberglass particles accumulate on your skin.
• When you finish, wash skin or shower with mild soap and warm, running water.

Eyes:

• Wear safety glasses with side shields.
• Wear a hat.
• Do not rub your eyes while you are working with fiberglass. Be sure to complete clean up before rubbing your eyes or scratching your skin.

Nose, Mouth, and Throat:
If you experience irritation of the nose, mouth, or throat you should consider wearing an "N 95" particulate respirator approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. If you are working in a dusty environment, or are working with fiberglass insulation overhead, a disposable dust respirator may be a good idea. Be sure to read and follow the respirator manufacturer's instructions regarding selection and proper use of respirators. Most home improvement stores sell these types of disposable respirators.

Installation and Clean-Up:
Follow these steps and be sure to read and follow manufacturer's instructions carefully.

• Keep your workspace clean.
• Do not handle fiberglass scrap more than necessary. Have a waste bin or plastic trash bag close by at all times.
• Use correct cutting tools such as a sharp utility knife and a straight edge.
• When cleaning your work area, be organized in your approach so that you do not spread fibers back into an area you have cleaned previously.
• Make sure all installed insulation is never left exposed in an occupied area. If the insulation does not have any protective covering or facing, it may cause irritation to anyone coming into direct contact with the glass fibers. If the insulation has a paper or foil covering it presents a potential fire hazard.
• Change work clothes after you finish your fiberglass insulation project.
• Wash work clothes separately and wipe out washer after cycle is complete.

I hope that helps.

- Tania

[annj]

Thanks for that Tania! :-)

I think I'll invest in a pair of safety glasses, cos even though I wear glasses, they obviously didn't sufficiently protect my eyes.

[Crias]

I like what you have acheived here- and could use some cool here in Colorado too, where we have been up close to the 100 degree mark for a while. The fur texture on his back is very well done.

[Celticelf]

Tania - thanks for the fibreglass information. I love the effects I have seen from its use, but have hesitated to handle it. Now I'm even more certain in my decision. Most art is hazardous in some way, and it is our duty to minimize the hazards.