Monday, November 1, 2010

Orangutan Commission


This is the second in a series of illustrations commissioned by the Coin Club of Australia for a series, which I can talk about more after the release date. It's funny how much more observant you become when you draw, paint or illustrate some aspect of our world. I always thought Orangutans were rather strange looking primates, but after researching them for this job I have a new appreciation for the glorious shades of red in their hair and their charming, human like qualities. Being an A type personality, having a busy, stressful job in nursing and raising four boys, I was often too busy before to stop and smell the roses and tended to rush through life without really SEEING things. Since allowing my art to become a much greater focus, I have a renewed appreication of the world around us and find myself studying tree trunks and sky colours, and people with interesting faces in a way I never would before.
Every single day I am grateful for the gift of art (and for my beautiful family)!!!

8 comments:

Mona Diane Conner said...

the hair on the orangutan is amazing; is it done strand by strand when it's digital?

Unknown said...

Thank you Mona - yes it is still done strand by strand. A lot of people think that the digital process is somehow quicker or easier, but I still use the same process as if I was drawing with coloured pencils, except that it is easier to draw light on dark.

Artoholic said...

It's so true that the more you look the more you see. I'm forever mentally trying to colour match the colours of the sky, foliage, water, lizards etc to the colours in my palette.

Karen, you've really captured the essence of the Orangs (I won't say Rangas, as it's more an insult to them than Julia!)

They are really just like old men, happy to just be.

Beautiful work!

Mona Diane Conner said...

wow, knowing that I can appreciate it even more!

Unknown said...

I wish I had your wit Cindy - you always make me smile!!!
Thank you so much Mona!! :)

Debra Keirce said...

EXCELLENT work Karen! You are such a versatile artist...Is there any media you can't master?

Gary Keimig said...

great job. I love it.

Unknown said...

Thank you Deb and Gary for your kind comments - there definitely are mediums I can't master Deb - loose watercolours and oils are a bit tricky to me and I am always in awe of those who master these!!!