Animal And Wildlife Challenge Oct/Nov 2025

[Jade]

Aha! Got it! Thanks Wayne... I do shy aware from the darks sometimes, you're right. Raising a virtual tipple!

 

[Joy]

Jade, when I checked the forum to post mine, I noticed that "great minds think alike" as we picked the same reference! That is very nice, but I agree that some darker values would be helpful.

 

[Joy]

This is done entirely in Inktense, which was a slow and frustrating slog. It is 7 x 9, in a Strathmore Visual Journal, which is not good paper for watercolor, so I am "using it up" on ink. I did a few horse heads, but never a full body before, which I found to be quite challenging.

 

[Jade]

Beautiful job Joy!
Yes, great minds I agree, I may try again, I'm not sure why I get nervous of dark values!

 

[ams]

… simply means get some darks in your drawings. You are just too far away to share my drink.

I agree with Wayne that your drawing could use more darks to get a wider value contrast but I have also found that can be quite challenging using graphite. It just doesn't go that dark. A soft lead (like a 6 or 8) might help or sometimes a carbon pencil can be used for the darks.

Aside from that, I love how you captured the movement in the horse. Not an easy reference.

Joy, you did a great job on the horse as well. The feeling of motion is there and the result is wonderful. I also like how you have the dust being kicked up by the hooves.

Inktense isn't for everyone though. Use if you like it, move to something else if you don't.

 

[ams]

This is done in Ink (Micron 005) and Inktense in XL Mixed Media sketchbook, about 8"x10".

My scanner picks up the deep darks more blotchy than in real life, so use your imagination a little when you look at this.

 

[Enyaw]

Great rendering of the horse Joy and Anne, that elephant is so full of character. Love it

 

[Joy]

Anne, that is just darling. Really appreciate the colors and the textures. The scanned image looks fine to me.

Jade, I often do not save enough lights and use too many middle values. Pencils only contain graphite and clay, with higher B pencils having more graphite and less clay. Pencils have never had lead, and it is a common misnomer. Here is a photo of a pencil value chart.

 

[Jade]

Oh thank you so much Joy, I appreciate that and have saved. I'll have another go with Mr Horse!

Anne I LOVE the elephant so beautifully done

 

[Grapes]

Joy, your horse has lot of character and speed. Very well done!

Anne, your elephant is so cute and so well done!

 

[pcj]

Joy - Your horse is just incredible ! You've captured the flying hooves, the flying
dust, the swirling tail . everything ! In inktense too ! Ink, inktense and watercolour
are extremely difficult to work with .
Cheers
Patricia

 

[pcj]

Anne - Your elephant is absolutely wonderful ! I just love him. You are very talented.
In inktense too. Extremely difficult medium . I don't know how you and Joy do it !
Cheers
Patricia

 

[Joy]

Patricia, thanks ever so much for the kind words! It is wonderful to see so much participation in the challenge this month. Keeping it for two months seems to be working out well.

 

[Jade]

 

[Enyaw]

... just a peckin' away. Way to go Jade .. keep them coming

 

[Jade]

Thanks Wayne!

 

[Vivien]

Wow everyone, just wow!
I havent looked in here for a while, (too much going on in my life) but loving the artwork here from you all!
Patricia - Thanks for posting so many wonderful images for us to paint from! How are you? Hope you are keeping better?

 

[Grapes]

Vivien, "Hello"!

Jade, handsome woodpecker! I like his pose: straight & sharp as it should be when he's working. Looks so lovely with red and other colors.

 

[Jade]

Hi Vivien
Thanks Grapes! Yes, he's a diligent little fella!

 

[Joy]

Vivien, how wonderful to "see" you again. We go way back on many forums!

Jade, another nice one! You must never sleep.