Call of the Raven finished

It is always an exciting part of the painting adventure to call a painting finished.  I looked over the “Call of the Raven” numerous times and then called in my critiques er family to scrutinize.  I appreciate their honesty, fresh eyes and ability to see what I may be missing or just not seeing anymore. The happy moment is when a painting passes the family test.

I have been hunting crows and ravens with my camera for a few years now with a series in mind.  This is the first of that work.   I delivered this painting into my framer and asked Mario to order in enough of the same moulding for three more that I have currently on the easel.  They will all be triple matted to add depth. I cannot wait to see this one done.

Patience. What Patience?

I typically sketch the work out loosely and yet precisely.  Oxymoron Alert as I know that sounds rather contradictory but in my mind it makes sense.  I draw the image initially for scale and then refine for detail as I go.  Has a lot to do with my patience level or lack of it.

I am usually so interested in getting started that I cannot labour the drawing too much at this stage.  It would make the work too tight as well I think (said the detail queen herself).  I approach each element as a controlled wet in wet painting area, in this case the feathers. I have been known to squeal with delight when the paint mixes on the paper in the itty bitty painting areas.