Stages of a Painting- Three Cubs On A Log

A follower asked me if I could show the stages of one of my paintings. Displayed is a piece that I have been commissioned to paint for a woman in Wyoming.

I spend many days researching. I look for reference pictures on the web and at the library.  

11" x 14" pencil and pen sketch

After I know how I am going to arrange the composition I spend about 7 minutes sketching out the design. If I am happy with the sketch I use a 5B or 6B graphite drawing pencil and scribble the entire back of the sketch. I then place the sketch with the carbon covered back over my primed panel. I use a ballpoint pen to trace over the sketch, pressing down hard enough for the image to transfer.

11" x 14" acrylic on gessoed panel

Now that the image has been transferred to the primed panel, I color block using thin, transparent layers of acrylic paint. Using bright colors will help the finished painting glow.

11" x 14" acrylic on gessoed panel

I then put the details on the primary area of interest. This allows me to make changes before adding the background and foreground details; see changes to size of bear on the right. 

Well, I better get back to work. Have a great day!

                                                                     Nicole

  

Where I Go

11" x 15" watercolor

This is one of the many scenic spots in the Butchart Gardens located near Victoria, British Colombia. Natalie Merchant's "Where I Go" was the inspiration for this piece. I was able to loosen up where I am normally a very tight painter. Using watercolor as the medium also helped keep the piece flowing and fresh.

Please Email Me if you are interested in purchasing.

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Prayer Of Saint Francis Of Assisi

6" x 6" acrylic on 3/16" wood panel SOLD

    Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

This is my favorite saint because he is known as the garden saint. He preached to man and all animals the universal duty to praise God, protect and enjoy nature. 

Please Email Me if you are interested in purchasing one similar to this.
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Let My Love Open The Door

6" x 6" acrylic on 3/16" wood panel

The garden gate is the "door to my heart". In addition to painting, I am an avid gardener. Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door" song was an inspiration for this piece. I have been wanting to paint this scene and others like it since our trip to see the gardens in Victoria, B.C. Canada.

Please Email Me if you are interested in purchasing this or one similar to it.
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Nut

6" x 6" acrylic on 3/16" wood panel/ Sold

Seen on the porch, this chipmunk has found a Buckeye Nut. 


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Lady Beetles on a Log

6" x 6" acrylic on 3/16" wood panel

The inspiration for this painting was a photo taken by a friend who lives in Illinois, Gene Sands, a naturalist photographer. The multi colored Asian lady beetles look like they are discussing their plans before venturing out for the day.

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Apple Study VI

4" x 4" acrylic on 3/16" wood panel
This is the final painting in a series of 6 apple studies painted on 3/16" thick wood panel. The sides are painted the same green as the background. The apples are from my trees, an Anna and Dorsett Golden.

Please Email Me if you are interested.