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4/6/2017

My Frozen Waterfall Painting

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My Frozen Waterfall Painting
Susie Caron
(c) 4/6/17

I Love birthdays. My grown up kids all had birthdays recently and I gave each one an original 12 x 16 inch acrylic painting on canvas. In this one I learned a new 'how to' and something about myself.

Last December my son and his wife came upon a frozen waterfall while snowshoeing. They loved the scene and took a photo of it to show me. I believe they experienced it as much more breathtaking than the photo illustrates. However, I could tell they loved their spot and I love them, so I decided to see what I could do for them in a painting. Here is their photo.

Photo by Ned & Jackie Caron

In preparing to paint, I covered the 12 x 16 inch canvas with black Gesso. This ensured the waterfall had a good dark back drop. Then I used a scrunched up paper towel to paint the sun, sky and land mass. I indicated the trees with the back of my fingernails, by dragging them upward. Later I added more detail.

I was surprised to find the waterfall presented a dilemma. As you can see in the photo the waterfall looks uneven at the top. When I attempted to paint it this way, it didn't 'make sense'. (God has much more liberty for creation than I do). As I worked, I discovered that I prefer my paintings to 'make sense', at least, to me. So I reconfigured the waterfall to appear more level at the top. Below is the result. What do you think?

If you are wondering why the water and ice are not just white, it's partly because water and ice take on the colors of their surroundings. It's also just fun to take artistic license and put blues, pinks, greens and even yellow in the ice and water.

I titled this one "Winter Icing" for a few reasons. The kids appeared visibly excited to share a photo of what they'd discovered on their snow shoeing adventure with me. I felt happy to create this painting to capture their moment in time, the feelings they'd expressed, and my love for them too. So, I hoped my painting would be like 'the icing on the cake.' It seemed right for all of us.

Tell me what you think about this in the comments below. Do you paint? What are you discovering?

Twee' Means You & Me
Painting Feelings

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4/4/2017

how to Paint a Siberian Husky Dog

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Husky photo from Pixabay

How to Paint a Siberian Husky Dog
Susie Caron (c) 11/01/19
There are many animals I've not had the pleasure of sharing my life and love with. That's why I get excited to create acrylic pet portraits of different breeds. Today want to share with you how I approached painting this Siberian Husky. With this information, perhaps you'd like to paint one too!

First I selected a royalty free Pixabay photo to use for my reference photo. For my pet portraits I like acrylic paints on stretched canvas in a variety of sizes. For this Husky I chose an 8x10.

1. paint the background

2. Sketch, paint dark, light & under-colors.

In step one, I use Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue and Crimson Red to paint the entire background to indicate snow. Because I use a wide brush, some of the 'swipes' across the canvas roughly resemble patterns in the snow. This must dry thoroughly before I sketch, or if you prefer, trace the Husky onto canvas. When sketching, make certain the eyes, ears and nose are correctly placed and define each with dark and light markings.

The fun next step (#2) involves filling in the major dark and opposite light spaces on the Husky. Then I use gentle under-color washes of purple, blue, tans, or browns where ever called for, to form the patterns and shapes in the fur. It sometimes takes many layers to bring out the best shape and texture and with acrylic. These under-colors will show slightly through subsequent layers.
Quick Tip: Move from one area to another to allow drying. Some artists tell me they don't like acrylics because they dry too quickly. I find they don’t dry fast enough! So because I tend to get bored easily, I jump from one space to another whenever I work, thereby allowing previous areas to dry.

3. gentle under-color washes

4. darken the dark & lighten the light areas.

In step #3 I continue to darken the dark areas and lighten the light ones by painting smaller hairs over the color blocked spaces especially on the face and ears. I use a #0 brush to address the eyes, nose and mouth with more detailing. To 'soften' the fur I paint a glaze (wash) of watered down brown (burnt sienna) or depending on the area with added yellow oxide or black. This continues until I'm satisfied.

In the final stages (#4) I highlight the face and ears using Titanium white and add lots and lots of individual fur-hairs. I photograph each major step with my iPad, which helps me see the progress more objectively. Following each step I also find it helpful to walk away and do something that uses my eyes and body differently (laundry, dishes, walk the dogs, or gardening.) This helps me to look with new eyes and objective awareness when I come back.

When I feel satisfied that I've brought out the best in this portrait, I sign it and paint or spray on a protective varnish. Then I enjoy selecting just the right frame. That's it!

I believe the extra time and effort to form layers enhances the texture in the finished portrait. By paying attention to detail in the eyes, nose and mouth I can enhance a more 'life like' portrait.

Was this helpful for you? What do you think about this process? Do you have any special hints that work for you when creating pet portraits? Tell me! I'd love to hear from you.

Finished, signed, varnished & framed portrait. "Ready Husky" Click photo for availability to purchase painting or prints. Available for purchase

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My Frozen Waterfall Painting

how to Paint a Siberian Husky Dog

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