It has taken me some time, but I am finally back at my easel.  Here is the photo I will be working from for my next painting.  I’m proud to say this is my photography too….I captured this at a zoo I was visiting.  I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to get this photo

Leopard ReferenceIsn’t he/she a beauty!  This will be a challenging painting for me.  First of all it is large…for me.  This painting will be 16×20 done on gesso board.  Second….there is the most wonderful reflection in the water.  I hope I can do justice to it in the painting.  Last ….lots of details in the background.  I must find a way to convey them  without taking anything away from my main focal point.

My sketch….this is where I begin.  I paid particular attention to “the spots” after all what is a leopard without its spots….LOL!

Leopard Sketch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Comments

    1. Is the sketch a dry run for the painting? (I apologize if that is a dumb question; I am learning.) I am continually in awe of your talent with details. It is good to hear from you again.

      1. Hi Pattie….it is good to be back! As to the sketch, I always do a simple sketch of my subject matter on tracing paper. It is like a “blueprint” if you will for my painting. During the painting process, it easy for things to “grow” a bit or become somewhat displaced. If I have a good sketch handy, I can simply place the tracing paper sketch on top of the painting and see where things have gone wrong. Oh…..no questions are “dumb” questions. I love questions…..it helps me to continue to grow as an artist!

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