A Process
 

Stage 5

Finishing touches and removal.  At the final stage, I go over and refine some of the details, add shadows and background hints to anchor the image. I will look at the overall color balance; in this case, because I felt the light areas were too yellow and the mid-tones too red, I applied a light coat of Grayed Lavender to those troublesome areas to mute their intensity. As I have done all along, I continue to wipe -- very gently -- the colored pencil surface with soft tissue to remove and prevent any wax buildup (bloom). I usually wait several days before spraying with fixative to distance myself in order to detect and correct possible flaws. 

In this case, I am not happy with the chain collar. After spraying with workable fixative, I will refine that particular area. Spraying prevents intrusion of adjacent colors.
  

Almost finished version (The colors in this scan are closer to true than the previous ones, although the background isn't quite as blue)

Final version and reference photo

Slideshow -- Java-enabled browser required.

Additional tools used throughout: Berol Apsco Electric Sharpener; sandpaper pad; eraser guard; plastic eraser; tissue; soft dust brush

Time: an additional hour or so. Total: about 15 hours

Part of the process is knowing.  Knowing is the deeper understanding of an animal. An at least basic knowledge of anatomy, be it based on observation and/or study, helps in making interpretive choices.  My animal science studies weren't entirely wasted after all!  Mammals share a lot of characteristics across species, even down to the lay of the hair and swirls on the face, in many instances; bone structures and muscling are similar.  A knowledgeable artist can apply that knowledge in order to  develop a piece from even the poorest photos.

View a scan of the original photo

If you've found this information useful and/or interesting, please recommend this site!
  

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23 June, 2004

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