Greyhound Turns into a Jaguar

One of the perks to painting these smaller dogs as opposed to the much bigger horses is being able to make them lie down (pun intended). They only weigh about 45 lbs. and I can handle them myself.

 

But please understand that it's still quite a physical undertaking. Kneel down, climb a step ladder and walk around and around the table countless times a day. And with these acrylic paints, the water must be changed 900 times a day (it seems) to keep all the colors pure. 

I'm pleased with the jaguar "tatoo" running down the front leg.

Here, "Waguar" is beginning to look like a Jacksonville Jaguar mascot of sorts.

My dear friend and designer extraordinaire Julie K. (she's shy) composed this amazing ad for a special issue of Homes & Land in Ocala, Florida using two of my paintings. Julie also designed my beautiful website www.sharoncrute.com.

Happy Leap Day!
Sharon

Waguar Progresses

I've chosen five logos to paint around the greyhound form. As a painter who constantly nags myself to remain loose and expressive, the logos are excruciatingly time-consuming. And knowing that this type of design entered the realm of technology long, long ago - hand detailing with plastic paint is challenging both my eyesight and motor coordination. At least the hands and eyes still speak to each other even if the dialog often veers into an argument!

Tiny brushes...ugh.

A jaguar stalks down the extended front leg. The "Y" on the paw is a color note to help me stay organized and check on the "feel" of the design as it develops. In the background on the table is the original design conceived onto the template.

The logos are laid in. The acrylic paint requires two coats to fully cover the form.

And in between: my entry into the American Academy of Equine Art's Spring Invitational.

"Last Set" oil on canvas, 18" x 24" (click here for more info)

Blessed to be busy,
Sharon

Waguar

I'm running very, very behind in this documentary. Spending an inordinate amount of time researching on the laptop, I've gleaned lots of interesting facts about a wide variety of subjects. This is the part of creating specific artwork that people don't normally see - the time-consuming preparation. And this is even before the sketching begins. Also, my wireless internet connection is not working in the evening when I usually do all of my computer work. Sigh. Still working on it.

"Waguar" is my first greyhound to paint. Designed for a Jacksonville Jaguars fan, I've researched the team, the colors, the star players and the logos both present and historical.

However, before the drawing begins...grime, dust and fingerprints are scrubbed away.

A coat of gesso is then applied.

Finally, the drawing begins. I'll make several changes as the design evolves and takes on a life of it's own. Notice the reference material on the tabletop that will continue to grow into an unmanageable mess!

 Fast-forward to blocking in the main design.

 
NOTE: My apologies for having to implement comment moderation thanks to these stupid spammers who somehow figure a way past Blogger's own spam detection. Spamming is such an ineffective way to sell goods or services that no one wants to begin with.

Grrrrr,
Sharon