Animal & Wildlife Challenge December 2024

[JaneS]

I really like the way the sketch lines are still visible - it really emphasises the transparent nature of the white bodies. I agree on the darks though, and maybe you could add some feature texture as you add more colour?

Lovely sketch.

 

[JaneS]

I had a quick go at the red bird in watercolour. Anyone know what species this is? We certainly don’t get them in the UK.

 

[JaneS]

Oh, and sorry to spam, but I added even more lights and darks to the fox, and I think it’s improved him.

 

[ams]

I really like the way the sketch lines are still visible - it really emphasises the transparent nature of the white bodies. I agree on the darks though, and maybe you could add some feature texture as you add more colour?

Lovely sketch.

I decided to keep the fur pretty smooth so I didn't add any texture to it.

I had a quick go at the red bird in watercolour. Anyone know what species this is? We certainly don’t get them in the UK.

View attachment 45611

It's a cardinal.

Oh, and sorry to spam, but I added even more lights and darks to the fox, and I think it’s improved him.

View attachment 45612

I think he's better too. The variation in color adds interest to the painting and makes him seem more realistic That's one very nice thing about working digitally, you can keep going back in and tweaking. I worked in digital for a few years and my drawing and painting skills improved.

 

[Joy]

Jane, this is a male cardinal. I see them daily here.

 

[ams]

I did some more work on the penguins. I worked on the shadows in the white areas to give it better form and darkened the black areas. I usually work with a water brush but I found if I want really intense color or a larger area, a conventional brush works better since I can control the water.

The black is a little darker in real life.

 

[Joy]

Anne, that is a much nicer contrast. How nice to know that "in real life" could mean you really have penguins there!

 

[ams]

Anne, that is a much nicer contrast. How nice to know that "in real life" could mean you really have penguins there!

 

[JaneS]

The cardinal is aptly named!

Anne, those shadows and darker blacks have really worked. Love it!

 

[Joy]

This is not what was hoping it could be, but I wanted to post something. This started as as Graphitint, then I added ink and watercolor. It is Hahnemühle toned paper, A5, 200gsm.

Jane, thank you for your art and for hosting.

 

[ams]

Thanks for the comments Jane.

The cardinal is nicely done Joy. I especially like the wintry feel of the whole painting, the snowflakes and the snow sitting on the branches.

 

[JaneS]

I love your cardinal too, Joy. I think you’ve got more texture and different colours than I have, leading to a better result. Your wintry background is magnificent too!

 

[ams]

I came across a small piece of what I think is Arches Hot Press. It's either that or Stonehenge. I wanted to try the technique on Arches HP so I gave it a try.

This is still ink and Inktense with a waterbrush, about 5" square.

 

[JaneS]

I love that, Anne. A real sense of depth with the shading, and his feathers have a gorgeous slightly fluffy look.

 

[Joy]

Love the way you framed him with the branches. Very nice!