Crappy day today for reasons that will fade in importance in a few weeks or months. Not so big a deal. But I needed to work on something less brain burning than the third installment of the “Responsibilities in a police state” rant (part 1 and part 2 for those who may have missed them).
So here’s Bradford, another late, lamented friend of a friend of mine. Bradford always liked to “help” pack up the plastic poinsettias after Christmas. I thought he looked like a statue, standing among the blossoms and greenery, so that’s how I drew him.
Here’s the photo I worked from, just to give you an idea of how things change:
fantastic. make that into a poster to sell! litho or seriograph.
You’ve captured him beautifully, Claire. Getting better all the time. I love the soft, “pastel” look. What medium did you use?
Were his eyes really that golden? My kitten’s eyes are the same, and I sometimes call him “Hawkeye” when the light hits him just so, because they’re the color of a hawk’s eyes.
It’s lovely. Do you draw these for anyone, or just friends? My beloved dog died unexpectedly 2 weeks ago, and I was thinking of having something like this done in her memory.
Beautiful drawing of a handsome, distinguished cat.
Thank you for the compliments (blush). Clarence, the recipient of “Bradford” (it was a gift for one of her “big” birthdays) also thought I should make a poster of the drawing. I’m not good enough for that, but I’m starting to think in that direction. So feel free to encourage me. 🙂
Pat, I drew Bradford in colored pencil — a medium I really enjoy, though it’s fussy and time-consuming. And yes, I like it for exactly the reason you state; it’s flexible enough to give both soft, “pastel” looks and harder edges.
Water Lily, I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. It’s bad enough to know they’re likely to grow old and die before we do, but when they go young or unexpectedly … what a heartbreak. So far, I’ve only done a few drawings or paintings for people I don’t know. I’m always nervous about being able to please people — especially when the art is to be of beloved family members. But I’m starting to get a little more confidence. I’ll email you privately so we can talk about the possibility. Thank you for asking.
A wonderful tribute to Bradford..pets become family, and it’s hard to lose them-my last cat lived to be 15, the one before that 19. I ususally adopt a new cat right after the passing of the other..there’s a kitten or puppy out there waiting for a home is how I look at it.
Helpful kitties are so helpful!! Mine likes to help me type.
Bradford is a beautiful cat, Claire.
Claire;
I’m trying to remember the name of the art book you mentioned reading a few years ago in your old blog. It had projects for beginning artists to get better, if I remember right.
Too vague?
Travis, not too vague at all. I’m pretty sure the book you’re remembering is The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
Crass commercial announcement, here’s an Amazon link for it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1585421472/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=livifree07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=1585421472
It’s not exactly a project book for artists — more of a psychological self-help book to bring out or enhance creativity. It does have daily projects for readers to complete over a 15-week period. It worked wonders, too. I would not be able to draw now if not for that book. I’d have been too un-confident even to try, let alone to post pictures online.
Another cool old book that is for artists who want to draw better and be more confident is Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards.
Crass, etc:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0874774195/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=livifree07-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399369&creativeASIN=0874774195
Claire, that is gorgeous!
Even as a stand alone drawing, it’s beautiful, but to see it with the picture that was your inspiration, makes the drawing all the more amazing. You do beautiful work. 🙂
Thank you, WolfSong. That’s a great compliment.
I admit that even as I see all the flaws in Bradford’s picture (and I always see them), I took a step forward with this drawing. I’m pretty happy, and it’s great to have the validation.
And oh yes — to those who’ve described him as majestic and dignified — he really was.
You could make a some $$ doing that. I’d send you a couple of pix. I’ve checked into similar and it’s VERY pricey!
JuliB — Thank you! I’m beginning to start thinking about looking into maybe considering the possibility of doing pet portraits. In a tentative sort of way, you know? 🙂 I did one a few years ago and have just promised to do another. But I have no idea what to charge.
Suggestions very welcome!
Right now, most of my drawings/paintings are done on 9 x 12 acid-free paper. Sometimes on illustration board. I use either pastel or colored pencil. I can work larger, but am most comfortable with these two media.