Being a bit of a watercolour nut, I rarely use other mediums but I do have pastels and pastel pencils and thought this Scottish Wildcat would work with pastels so I gave it a go - it takes a lot longer than watercolour and my fingers were dusty and aching by the end of it - I don't know if I use pastels 'correctly' but then again I don't know if I use watercolours 'correctly' either! I just do what works for me. I'd like to learn a bit more about working with pastels though so if there are any pastel artists reading this who can help with any tips please let me know! This Scottish Wildcat is from a photograph taken by Dave Webb who was lucky enough to photograph these gorgeous creatures in Aberdeenshire recently - he actually saw three of them which is amazing considering there are thought to be less than 50 left in the wild. I had to paint it, such a beautiful creature still native to the UK but seriously endangered. We hear so much about the plight of big cats such as tigers yet little about our native big cat here in the UK which is very nearly extinct. More should be done to save this beautiful animal.
My daughter Sian has posted to her blog recently, she doesn't post very often but she has some photos she's quite proud of which she took at the Zoo recently - it would be lovely if you could pop over and leave her a comment - it really makes her day when she gets visits!
Thank you!
I'm hoping to get a bit of extra painting in as I'm recuperating from an operation so it's a good excuse to sit and paint as I can't do much else really at the mo! Can't wait to get out and about again though, with one thing and another we haven't been out walking for weeks, and all this lovely weather we've been having too, typical! Hope you're all fine and dandy where you are, take care! Sharon xx
Sharon, your wildcat is magnificent. I went over to Sian's blog and was so pleased at what I found. She is very talented and I left her a message of encouragement. Her photos are beautiful and she is good at catching her subjects at just that right moment.
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous. Jus keep doing what you are doing as it is working! Sian's blog is just lovely too. I have signed up to follow her photos. A talented mum and a talented daughter........Hope you are feeling better after your op.
ReplyDeleteAt your creatures ... only lacks the word!
ReplyDeleteThey are painted with a great strength, amazing art works!
Sian's blog is so lovely! The Art is in her DNA!!!
You've done this beautiful creature proud Sharon, that's a cracking portrait.
ReplyDeleteAs you say we should do the best that we can to help save these wonderful animals, hopefully the long term outcome will be good!...[;o)
What a wonderful wildcat, I love the way you paint, a real and sensitive artist !
ReplyDeleteValérie
http://plum2poul.canalblog.com
Well done on the wildcat - I didn't know you had them in the UK! Hope you are recuperating well from the operation and that it was minor. Now to visit Sian's blog - she is very talented!
ReplyDeleteI popped over to Sian's blog and enjoyed it! And I love this Scottish Wildcat portrait. He reminds me a lot of my Maine Coon Cat who is no longer with us. Hoping you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI popped over to Sian's blog and enjoyed it! And I love this Scottish Wildcat portrait. He reminds me a lot of my Maine Coon Cat who is no longer with us. Hoping you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteCan't see that you've much more to learn about working with pastels Sharon if your Scottish Wildcat is anything to judge by....BRILLIANT is one expression that comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteHope all is well after the op. Make sure you are resting. Saw this on FB and had to look really hard as thought it was a photo by Gary at first. You know I love your watercolours but your pastels are exceptional especially this one. Good Luck to Sian and her blog. It is looking great. Gary better watch out. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteFor not working with pastels often - this looks pretty wonderful to me. I play around with them as well but I certainly am no expert. I just like the immediate color you get and the fact that they can be more forgiving than watercolor. Thanks for sharing. Have a great day.
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