I finished two of the four Lovebird portraits yesterday, Rosencrantz and Lionel. Much of the detail is lost in the digital photo, especially with the rosy plumage in their faces. Hopefully their eyes dry a little faster this time, they took several days to dry after that first layer. I don’t think I can wait that long to scan them, and I’m not sure my client can wait that long to receive them!

I’ll finish up the other two gals today.

 

From the top – left is Rosencrantz, right is Lionel.
Bottom left is Guildenstern, right is Jean.Here are the birds underpaintings, you can see their first work in progress shot here. There’s a big difference now in how that background color enhances each of their portraits, it’s really working nicely, warming them up and really showcasing each of them.

Each of their paintings will get another layer of paint before they’re finished.

From the top – left is Rosencrantz, right is Lionel. Bottom left is Guildenstern, right is Jean. Two male, two female – and they’re such pretty birds! I completed the backgrounds on these four lovebird portraits, and will start painting them on Monday. This warm ochre will really set off their soft green and peach tones. I did a similar color on this lovebird portrait back in 2004, that one is an oil pastel painting though, so these being oil paintings will result in much more vibrant colors.

I’ll be working in all of the backgrounds over the weekend for all of my portraits. You’ll see a lot of progress shots over the next couple of days!

 

With the New Year comes new art in my studio. These are the rest of the commissioned works that I’ll be completing in oils over the next few weeks.

A. Custom portrait of two very wonderful people, this is 8×10.

B. Custom cat painting – this is Elsie. This portrait will memorialize her, as she’s recently passed over the rainbow bridge. Her mom sent me the story of her life, and by the time I was finished, I was reading through blubbers and drips. She had a beautiful life, and she’s got a wonderful mom. This is an 11×14.

C. Custom cat painting of Willie, a pretty longhaired tuxedo cat. He’s 8×8.

D-E-F & G. Custom lovebird paintings. These are 4×4 little bitty canvas panels that will get matted and framed out to a larger size to really make them a focal point. Lovebirds are gorgeous, as you know, and there are two pair in this family. I have all of their names, but they’re a bit jumbled as I’m not sure yet which name goes with which pretty bird.

H. That pretty little kitty, Cheeky, done up in a larger, 6×6 portrait.

Then there’s Katie’s portrait, and then I’ll get crackin on the Heron painting – because it won’t be long before it’s time for my first exhibition (in March) – and I’m a last minute crunch kinda gal.

Suffice it to say – my New Year’s Resolution? To Paint. A lot.What’s your biggest most important goal for the New Year?

Here are Thor & Oz, I am not entirely pleased with the scan and need to redo part of it (dark banding where I merged, otherwise it’s ok to show ya!). I’m including large detail of both birds, hiding them behind the “read more” tag, so read more!

Custom Bird Portrait : Thor & Oz
24×24 Oil Painting
Gallerywrap Canvas
© 2005 Leanne Wildermuth
All Rights Reserved

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Mackie is finished! Here she is!