COMPLETED!!

🙏🙏🙏

My on-line tutor, Louise de Masi, has provided me with very helpful constructive criticism which I am taking to heart. Also, after honest and supportive input from Melissa, which I sincerely appreciate, I went back to my painting feeling much more hopeful.  This morning, I was able to put down my paint brush and truly feel that I have finished painting Remi. I have a tenet I live by in my art studio and that is once my painting is autographed that's it, no going back! 

Although the best water colour art is most often loose and free and even some times by accident, there is still much to learn in the process. Thank you Melissa, for giving me this opportunity to learn.

~C

FINAL FINAL ENTRY #1

Okay, so I can't live with the background the way it is--the artist in me just refuses to call this piece finished. Back to the palette to try to produce a painting I feel good about. I am totally happy with Remi.

~C

FINAL ENTRY :))

 I'm spending too much time fussing--one of the signs that my painting is most probably done. If I don't walk away now this could go on ad infinitum so it is time. Here is the finished piece.

REMI 

There were so many setbacks at the beginning of this project I didn't really believe I would get there. There were also frustrations along the way with colours and brush techniques so I am very pleased to say that I have finished painting Remi. I can only hope that my portrayal of this precious dog is to Melissa's liking. RIP Remi.

~C

ENTRY #7

 The background is always a major consideration in any painting. I always give it some thought at the very beginning of a piece even before the first brush stroke because there are times I will paint the background first. In this case, I was pretty sure it would be the last thing I do. So now I am working on deciding what colour(s) to use. I'm thinking I will do it next and that way I will have a better idea of how "finished" Remi looks and I will be able to tweak any areas that need it. Here's where I'm at now right.

Remi's collar is blue so I will probably use blue in the background and maybe another colour from his fur. Backgrounds make me really nervous because it's a free-style and you're never quite sure what you'll get. Trying to control what the pigment will do on the wet background is not an option so, really, I guess I'll just hope for the best. Cross your fingers for me.

~C

ENTRY #6

 I've heard the expression "hair of the dog" but this has a whole new meaning to me now! I love the flow to Remi's fur but oh my, I am not sure I will ever be finished. Lots of detail and my head spins trying to figure out where I'm at but I am liking my piece so far and really hope Melissa does too. Still a ways to go.

~C

ENTRY #5 :)

 Feeling pretty good about how my 'masterpiece' is coming along. Although I am still having issues with the subtlety of colour tones. 

I love how the light source is evident from the left and at this stage am wondering if I should use the technique of letting the subject just "fade" off to the left. Oft times less is more. I will quit for the day and return with fresh eyes in the morning.

~C

ENTRY #4

 It's been a few days now and as with any art, it tends to take on a life of its own! I don't trust foamboard. So, after getting smooth plywood, cutting to size and coating with high-gloss enamel, I am set to try again--from square one. Even my choice of paper has changed. Rather than Arches hot press I have decided on cold press. I find that the transparent colours react better on cold press.

My plywood board works! Paper stretched, sketch redrawn, and painting started. I can finally get serious about bringing Remi to life on the paper. I pray I can be successful and produce a piece that Melissa and her family with cherish. Here's where we're at so far.

~C