Friday, April 5, 2013

Getting there

Excuse the dark photo - took it tonight and with the flash on it looked terrible so I took the darker (non-flash) shot and lightened it a bit in Photoshop.  I was very discouraged earlier today - the whole thing looked too busy and Woody wasn't standing out.  I left it (and the house) for the afternoon and realized he needed a couple of things to make him pop off the background.  I gave him a slightly lightened aura and also used black pen (smudged a bit) to make his outline more defined.  I lightened the leaves a bit to create a more fuzzy and receding background. Might need some more of that.  Did some work on the tree with watercolor crayons and so that it looks less busy.  Needs more work on the sides and then some finishing varnish.  This is not my usual type of painting and it was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I'm glad I continued with it and learned a bit about composition at the same time.  It is a bit brighter IRL as I said before - I'll post when complete.  I'm linking to Paint Party Friday.  If you'd like to see some fabulous art by very talented artists - hop over and check it out.  Thanks for stopping by - have a blessed and art filled day!


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42 comments:

  1. Lisabella RussoApril 5, 2013 at 9:40 PM

    I love it! Birds are so much fun and yours is just gorgeous!! His face is so compelling.

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 6, 2013 at 7:14 AM

      Thanks - I guess we all need encouragement from other artists. I appreciate your comment a lot.

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  2. Valerie-JaelApril 5, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    It's coming along nicely! Valerie

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  3. GigglesApril 6, 2013 at 12:22 AM

    Wow I am so impressed he came so far from last week...Seriously he looks like he is in the forefront and the forest is way behind him. You may need to walk away for a few days to see him as I do....Love the depth...good job. It's not too busy...he is fabulous!! Love how striking his face is!!Excellent work!

    Hugs Giggles

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 6, 2013 at 7:18 AM

      Thanks so much - you are right. I do need to walk away often and give it time. Much too hard on myself. I actually added a bit of PanPastel this morning to the background - just a bit and I like the slightly out of focus look it gives to the background. When I can get a better shot of it I will. And again - thanks so much for the very encouraging comments - they mean a lot to me!

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  4. DebbieApril 6, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    I think it's looking lovely. The detail in the background is really pretty. Sometimes it's hard to tear ourselves away from our work, but I also find that going for a walk and coming back with fresh eyes can help so much!

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 6, 2013 at 8:24 AM

      Sometimes a long walk is all we need! Thanks for stopping by with your encouraging comment!

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  5. Arnoldo L. Romero, MLAApril 6, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    The woodpecker looks very realistic, and so does the bark after you toned it down with the watercolor crayons. I can't remember if I told you before, but one of our 3 dogs is a Boston Terrier, so I love your profile picture. Blessings!

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 6, 2013 at 8:28 AM

      Thanks for your comment - realistic is not my usual style - had to hop out of my comfort zone. Collage always helps to keep me happy though! Our Boston is a 9 year old, deaf rescue. I love her - but it's kind of like adopting someone else's cranky grandmother. She does make me laugh though and that's always good!

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  6. UnknownApril 6, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Lovely painting. I like how you did a tree.Well done! Thank you very much for sharing.

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  7. Paper rainbowApril 6, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    This is so sweet. I don't ever remember seeing a woodpecker painting before. They are such colourful birds, I love the flash of tufty red.

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 4:34 AM

      He (or she) was a gorgeous bird. Glad to have been able to capture even some of that. Thanks for your encouraging comment.

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  8. NettyApril 6, 2013 at 12:17 PM

    Loving your woodpecker and I agree with Arnoldo it looks very realistic.
    Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 5:56 AM

      Thank you Netty - I am proud of the fact that this is probably the first painting I ever did without a sketch - not that a sketch is bad, but I tend to color withing the "lines" - I enjoyed painting this way.

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  9. UnknownApril 6, 2013 at 3:31 PM

    It's looking really good. The woodpecker's head is looking great and I love the texture of the bark. :)

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  10. Cris, Oregon ArtistApril 6, 2013 at 5:58 PM

    What ever you did it looks great. Love those birds too. HPPF

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 5:59 AM

      Actually - you did get this comment in - blogger is weird sometimes.

      Delete
  11. Cris, Oregon ArtistApril 6, 2013 at 6:42 PM

    I thought I left a comment here but it said something in red and no comment is here. anywho I think your doing a great job and I love these birds. HPPF

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 5:58 AM

      Sometimes blogger is quirky about comments - thanks for leaving another - it's so encouraging.

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  12. ElisaApril 6, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    i am inspired at your risk taking and being out of your comfort zone. look at how you shine brighter:) The piece is becoming beautiful. can't wait for the finished work. keep it up!

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 6:01 AM

      Thanks so much Elisa! We can't fly without walking out of the "zone" first!

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  13. Anne MandaApril 7, 2013 at 6:17 AM

    Very lively, very beautiful! The bark looks great, too!

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  14. AnonymousApril 7, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Lovely art work ~ love the woodpecker and texture of the tree ~ ^_^

    Thanks for visit and comment.

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  15. ChristineApril 7, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Just beautiful, he looks so real, nice job!

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  16. katApril 7, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Your painting is looking great, that tree trunk does indeed have a wonderful texture!

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 6:11 AM

      Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment. The comments are so encouraging.

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  17. KristinApril 7, 2013 at 2:48 PM

    I agree that we sometimes need to go away to get perspective. It always shows itself with time. And as for me, I think it's beautiful! I Love the red on it's head. Great work, xoxo

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  18. LeoviApril 8, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Genial! I like your perseverance in carrying out this beautiful bird. I like the tone of the trunk.

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 6:03 AM

      Thanks so much - our art is all so different - but it's all creative and makes the world a more beautiful place!

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  19. minnemieApril 8, 2013 at 11:22 AM

    Looking great - he does pop! The reds in the background and bark compliments his crest - which is the focal point.

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 6:04 AM

      Thanks - I was so taken by your frogs this week. God has given us so much beauty to inspire our art!

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  20. LauraApril 9, 2013 at 2:20 AM

    Woody turned out great. Photographing is always a problem I find too. Thanks for dropping by.

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  21. GinnyApril 10, 2013 at 5:24 PM

    I really appreciate that you take the time to explain the process that you are going through as you paint. I really like Woody and am anxious to see the completed work. The texture on the bark is great.

    I too find it helps alot to walk away from a piece. Right now I am working on a piece that looks great from across the room but not too good close up. I guess I could make anyone who wants to look at it stand far away.

    Thank you for your positive comments on my work. I appreciate them a great deal.

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    1. bellefrogworksApril 11, 2013 at 6:10 AM

      I am trying to remember to take photos and describe the process - for myself and for others. If I don't remember the process - I don't go forward much. If you target the over 40 audience - then looking good from far away is perfect - LOL. Seriously - we grow when we are more patient (not one of my strong points) and just let the art happen. Thanks so much for your insightful comments. I really love to hear from all the artists out there

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  22. Lynn CohenApril 12, 2013 at 9:52 AM

    Wonderful job on the bird, AND THE TREE! LOVE the TREE!!!!

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