Artist Painter Brenda D. Johnson's Wildlife and Nature Inspired Art

Brenda's Blog and Studio Journal features new works in progress and general updates. You can also follow Brenda on Facebook (search Facebook: Brenda D. Johnson Wildlife Art. (NEW!)

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Peacock ~ On the easel...

Work continues on the Peacock today (probably will take several more days).  I have about one third of the painting at the bottom to paint in.  The beak needs some refining and added color as well. 


It's hard to rush these colorful small feathers behind the neck.  Each on is very unique to the other.  One by one its character reveals itself as I inch my way through them.


I can't even imagine painting the whole bird with mating display in as fine a detail as I have attempted here!   It might take 6 months at least!


I'll post more as it progresses.   :-)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Peacock ~ On the easel...

Here is a little update on the progress of this Peacock painting I've inched my way through.


I've just started the feathers behind the neck.  I thought the long plumes were going to be difficult, not so.   I'm finding these short brilliantly colored  ones to be quit interesting and complex.


I have about a third of this piece reasonably done.  There are always that last  bit of washes of color here and there.  Given the long thin design of this painting I'll be particularly careful to use a slight color theory to pop shadows in such a way to draw the viewers eye up and around through the piece.  I'm certainly not that far yet however.


I read a comment on Facebook written by a gentlemen in India.  He seemed particularly interested in this piece as it is the National Bird of India.


Does that spark your curiosity?  It does mine!   I'll be doing a bit of research on that subject when time permits.  This particular bird does seem appropriate as their national bird.  I'll post what I find.  It just might be an interesting read.  I know it will be for me.   Warm thoughts your way on this very chilly day on the mountain.   :-)





Saturday, January 01, 2011

Peacock ~ On the easel...

Happy New Year !  


May all your dreams and wishes come true!


This has been an interesting year for us with all the usual.  Health issues all behind us now, we are ready for a great year!  I think I spared everyone the wild unexpected news.   At the risk of sounding like a county western song, I'll spare you again.    So lots of laughter, a wonderful break from the norm, it all came out quite well anyway!


I'm gearing up in the studio for my next show in Tulsa, OK.,  Nature Works.    Plus, there are several other venues I'm interested in submitting to as well.


The image above is the beginning of a 6" x 24" cropped Peacock.  It's very complex to say the least!  I think I'll make friends with this painting AFTER I've completed it.  Right now there is so much to do to complete it.   I've mentioned this to others regarding this endeavor,  "I'm so lost in the feathers!"  


I'm working in Acrylic so it's pretty fast moving if I can stay on task.  There are a lot of breaks required on this work.  ha ha ha!  Whew!   Updates as I progress!  :- )