TamandaArt

Raspberry Thrills 2 is on its way to its new home. Whenever you paint a canvas you always hope that it finds a nice home and  I believe this is very true in this case. 24" x 24" made things interesting. So I got creative while packaging it. I made a two piece box. Standard top and bottom that fit together. I used some materials that I had on hand to buffer the corners. I also used extras to buffer the front and back so there was less room inside for things to shift around. The best thing of all, it's on its way!

Don't panic! It won't be this glossy when its dry. The shine helps tell if you've covered all the surface. In the end it becomes a matte look. Almost ready to send off.

This was why I was soooo busy last week. You can find my artwork at Creekview Floral Co. too. This is an amazing store to check out! Another amazing and super friendly staff! Not only do they have my Sunflower Series here, but they carry all sorts of wonderful things. Including soaps, gift cards, plants, and of course flowers. They really do have a lot more, come and check it out! Great place for gifts. And a friendly helper here too.

I forgot to put this up on my blog. I put it everywhere else. You can come and see my artwork at:  Ruffin's 170 Hartzel Rd. St. Catharines. ON At Ruffin's they have an amazing staff! Super nice and super awesome! Come by and have a look!  

The Original was 12" x 12" It was painted alla prima (in one session). The larger painting was going to have a lot more details in it. This is the result! "Raspberry Thrills 2" 24" x 24" oil on canvas 2022  

Just about finished! Tomorrow I will go in with fresh eyes and finalize all the details. I think it's looking good!  

Here is a quick look at where I am at. Still working at it. This week seems to be really busy with busy work and  I keep trying to sneak an hour here and there to try and fill it in.  Right now I'm pushing in some brighter colours.  It's looking great!  

Here is a look at how this chocolate lab was created. It really doesn't start out exciting. This canvas board was small enough that I only did a grid for the center. Even at this point, some may be wondering what is going to happen. When will it look like a dog?  Sometimes even I do wonder too. Usually, if it isn't going to work out (and sometimes it happens), it's at this point. Keep going or start over? This type of dog works great with this type of paint stroke. "Chocolate Lab" (#22-43) 12" x 12" (30.4 cm x 30.4 cm) Oil on Canvas Board Currently is being displayed at   Ruffin's Pet and Nutrition Centre  170 Hartzel Rd., St. Catharines, Ontario Ruffin's has a super friendly staff! I have been going there for years and they are amazing! If you are nearby, drop in!  

Last week I started a commission. I have been trying to take photos every hour or so. Sometimes I forget and get further ahead of myself. Here is where I stopped on Saturday evening. (You can see I turned off the painting lights) You can see where it is going.   

Here is a labradoodle in progress from start to finish. "Chocolate Labradoodle" (#22-52) Oil on Canvas Board 10" x 10" (25.4 cm x 25.4 cm)  

  The Process of a Commission How does it all start? As I have discussed in the prior blog, it starts with the grid when going big. Taking the time to get the drawing as close to correct as perfect. (Fun Fact: It never is!) Start bringing in the colour.  For this piece there is a dark background, so that is where I started. Starting to bring in the shapes through colour. For the first layer, applying the main basics of colour,  I still keep making sure that the drawing stays true.

 Ever wonder how artists make something small scale up? It starts with a ruler In this case, a 24" ruler. I have made the mistake of not gridding everything out before and it takes a lot of work to fix. Taking the few minutes to do this, REALLY is best. TA-DA! Take the time to do this. Make sure you grid out the smaller reference too! I am keeping the smaller painting nearby for colour references  (as you can see, they don't match up with the photocopy above it) That is how it starts!