Monday, November 15, 2010

Str-e-e-e-tch


Little Tood
8x10 inch Commissioned Portrait
Coloured pencils on Terracotta Matte Board


Even though I have enjoyed the challenge of working digitally lately, I didn't realise how much I missed by beloved coloured pencils until I started working on this portrait. It is lovely to work on something tangible and watch a blank canvas evolve before your eyes. I was a bit unsure about this portrait at first when I saw the reference photo, as the front paws loomed larger than life, but the client reassured me that he wanted it just like that. As, I got into the portrait, it was the look of sheer contentment that showed on Little Tood's face, as he enjoyed his long stretch, that struck me more than the paws in front, so hopefully this is apparent to others who view this portrait too.

18 comments:

Gary Keimig said...

really nice Karen. Somebody is going to get a real treasure

Unknown said...

Hi Karen. It is so good to see you back to the CP's. You are right the expression and stretch comes right out of the paper.
Beautiful work.
I hope you will continue to work both CP and digital as it is so interesting watching you create in both techniques.

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Karen this is so sweet I'm sure they will love it! I know what you mean about working with the real stuff!

Mona Diane Conner said...

superb!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Gary, Dors, Barbara and Mona. All of your encouraging comments mean so much to me!!! :)

Tracy Hall said...

This is wonderful Karen, really love the unusual pose and you've nailed it beautifully!

Unknown said...

Thank you Tracy - I wasn't sure about the pose at first, but I guess all cats love a good stretch, especially in the sun (I'm coming back as a cat!!!) :)

Sue Clinker said...

Purrfect!!

Little Tood is obviously enjoying what cats do best - right down to the flexing of the claws!

Any idea how he got his unusual name?

Unknown said...

I don't actually Sue - I should ask. My client is giving it to his sister for a Christmas Present. Cats certainly know how to get the best out of life don't they!!! :)

sue greco said...

Hi Karen,

I agree with your client, the reference photo is just right. Your interpertation is "all about cat"!!! You really captured when a cat stretches, it's pure enjoyment on their faces. Well done.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Sue - that is really reassuring and great to know!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Karen, I love this. It is a most unusual point of view, which makes it soooo interesting and you captured it with your usual finesse. Absolutely wonderful. One of my favorites.
Carol (It won't take my password for some reason, I have more trouble with Google...) So today I'll be "anonymous"... :-0

artbyakiko said...

Oh, I love this portrait!! Great in every way!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Carol and Akiko - it was definitely a joy doing a different kind of portrait like this, and I'm so glad you both like it!!! :)

Debbie Goode said...

Love it.

Unknown said...

I'm thrilled you like it Debbie and thank you!!! :)

Unknown said...

This is really fantasic Karen, everything about it, that wonderful angle and that content expression love it!

Unknown said...

Thank you so much Sam - it's always lovely to get a commission that you thoroughly enjoy doing and this was definitely one of them!!! :)