On the easel ~ Pacific Underwater painting progress

A little progress report as promised.  I've been painting primarily base coat on the newly added items.  (view previous post for comparison) I painted in some missing details as well on the right hand side.  The kelp is taking a lot longer to paint than I had thought.  Right now the little otters look like bullets.  I don't think I'll be happy until I paint those much needed details in to make them look real.  THEN I can really get charged to wrap up all the loose details in the remaining kelp. This painting like others will take stages of development.  After finishing up the otters, I need stop and add the sun light filtering through from above.  Then I will proceed to the foreground kelp to wrap it up.  


There is a LOT of real estate here to cover.  This is a 24" x 36" painting.  It always amazes me how some can zip through paintings this size.  Though, perhaps they are more familiar with their subject matter.  This is new territory for me. Those familiar with my work know.   Because there is little reference material (like photographs), I'm having to just use recall and imagination to pull it together.


I love a good challenge as you know!  ha ha ha!  More to come.......  Thanks for stopping by and checking in.  : ) : ) : )

Sea Otter ~ Aquarium of the Pacific ~ Time to study !

Probably the best thing about being a wildlife artist is the field work necessary to capture the best representation of the subjects or habitat being worked on.  In my case, the recent work on my Pacific Underwater painting has come to a point were my reference is somewhat inadequate.    So off I go again to gather those necessary refreshers on the subject; the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nersis).


Luckily the Aquarium of the Pacific offers up a very nice exhibit to observe and study this little darling of the sea.


A dear friend has offered to ride along and enjoy the day with me.  She is an artist in her own right and loves nature and wildlife as much as me.    I love my job!  Great friends and wildlife go together very well.   : )


The image I have posted here is of one tank among many at the aquarium.   Rather sets the mood I think!   I can't wait !


I was thinking about posting some of the finds on my other blog as well as this one.  So, with that, check back and follow the Wildlife with Brenda D. Johnson blog. for the next update on Pacific Otters and more.    : )