First time with Pastels

 Inspired by a chap on a beginners art forum (JWJ) and a couple of  blogs I follow. I finally unwrap my Santa present. A box of pastels not the pencil type but the square sticks. Thinking what should I attempt with these little beauties, I chose the Wolf. I found them extremely great fun if a little messy but attempt again I certainly will. The Wolf its self went much better than expected for my first time. ps I have no fixative would hair spray sort of do the job

Water Rail

 As promised, I got out the brushes and the splishy sploshy paint. With not playing with paint for a while I decided on a quick painting to try get my eye in. I was reasonably pleased with the Water Rail but the back ground didnt work as well as Id hoped for. Nothing ventured nothing gained as they say. I did enjoy the painting non the less.

TIGGGGER

 At the moment Im finding it hard to get motivated with the paint. So I sat down with David Attenbourgh on the TV and scribbled away at a Tiger. This was probably my longest project with a pencil taking 4 or 5 hours. Im pretty pleased with the results although the photo of the picture isn't great it seem to of lose a couple of tones. If another graphite picture appears here before a painting please leave abusive comments

Another Dog

 

Last night I was supposed to be doing a little watercolour practice but for some reason the drawing side just wasnt going well. I just couldnt seem to get my Buzzard beak looking just right. I packed it up and got out the sketch book whilst watching penguins on the TV. The result a German Shepard dog begging for a biscuit. I will perhaps battle with the Buzzard this evening

Jack Russle Pup

 

A recent addition to the Mother in laws family was an 8 week old pup. Last night sticking with pencil I scribbled away to try and capture the nature of the beast. I think I have managed to potrate the cute little thing as I wanted, again may tweek when its been stood for a while.Thats enough tame wildlife and pencil work, back to the drawing board so too speak with the paints.

Terrier

 A rather challenging mini project for myself having done nothing with pet portraits. Its my 7 year old nieces dog and a cracking Cairn Terrier. I asked her the other day what she wanted for her birthday. A picture by me was her reply. She is my biggest art fan but not a great critic. Not a lot of time was spent on the picture and I have captured much of his quality's so all in all Im pretty pleased for my first attempt at a Dog.

After some helpful advice I had done a little messing around with the picture. Im calling it finished now

Graphite Seal

 

After I trail run with different types of paper a few weeks ago. I went out and purchased another sketch pad that perhaps would suit my style. A practice with it last resulted in a Grey Seal. I was impressed with  the paper and pencil was a nice change from water colour.

Bearded Tit

                                                   Water colour 13/10 inches

My van has broken down yet again so to try while away an hour before it goes to the garage,I got out the paints. Considering little time was spent painting the Bearded Tit it came better than expected. I really enjoyed it too.I may have a little tweek with it when time allows.

Kingfisher

A rather talented photographer gave me permission some time ago to paint any of his photos. Today I decided an attempt at a rather dashing Kingfisher. I do prefer to paint from my own photos. although my photos are far from as detailed, it does feel more original when splashing paint around. I hope one day to complete a painting from field sketches but I feel Im some distance away.