Wolf Pup WIP in steps.

In the image above, I've cut out a Mylar cover to protect the wolf painting in preparation for airbrushed background.   The next image shows the paint sprayed in and in the last image you can see I've removed the Mylar.

Wolverine, Progress update

Yesterday in the studio was a productive one.  I'm very close to finishing this wolverine piece with a bit more work on the face, a little fine tuning here and there on the body.   Today I'll focus on the pine log.  It will begin to take a better rounded shape when I add more highlights, shadow and the amber glow highlighting the lower sides.  


As a look out my windows at the beautiful Pines and Red Cedar I am reminded of the peach and amber glow beneath the branches.  I love reflected light and color I see on many things here in the forest.  The lovely cast shadows and rays of light streaming onto the forest floor add so much dimension.  It's very nice having a reference to which I am painting just outside.

Elk, On the easel.........

Here's a fun small painting of a Champion Elk I'm working on here in the studio today.   This one will measurably be viewed as a 7 5/8" x 4 1/8" from within the frame.


Most of the basic animal is in.   I'll be painting in the textures of antler and fur as well as correcting bits around the mouth and jaw line to show facial muscles and expression. 


The background will show distant tree line somewhat vague as not to distract from the foreground.


I have two maybe three small critter portraits coming up shortly.  The drawing for the first will be completed today for client inspection.    With clients permission, I'll post the progress on that painting as well.   Thanks for stopping by.  Love to hear your comments!  Thanks

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.    : ) 

Pet Portrait commission ~ on the easel

The pet portrait commission is coming along nicely with still much to complete.


I'm concentrating on the grasses and ground at this time.  Once the back ground has been painted in, I'll return to the kitty for some last details pulling it all together.


This portrait has been a lot of fun in that the client wanted a nature setting.  This kitty spends most days out in and out of the woods surrounding the property and play hunting.  (well, maybe not always, it is a cat)


I'll post  the completed painting as time allows.  Look for the updates in several weeks.   

Pet Portrait, Domestic Cat

Several years ago, one of my Bobcat paintings made the cover of a hunting magazine.  I can't believe people hunt them!  Yikes!  But, through that cover I met a lovely couple whom I've kept in contact with over several years now.  I've been honored by a commission from them and their character of farm cat will be the subject of that piece.


Here I have the base coat in.    There is lots of tid bits on the ground to paint in, grasses to complete ... and, of course the kitty.      I'll post updates as time allows.


The size of this painting is a 9" x 12", acrylic on board.   :)