Frank and Alice

1 z Frank and Alice

I found the creature on the left very endearing. It reminded me of my father, Frank, who was a real character. I do miss him. He had so many health problems in the last 7 years of his life but never complained. Quite a wonderful dad. Of course the mercat bunny is Alice, my mom. She is  87 and going strong. I thought I would show my process as it isn’t always as simple as it looks.
1 blow dry

Here I am blow drying my drawing. My drawings go through several revisions before I decide that it is ready to be inked in. Using Aquabord involves wetting the surface prior to working on it. I find blow drying works best to remove the water without leaving any streaks.

1drawcopywordpress

I begin to ink in my work with a crow quill pen and indelible ink. Yes, exactly as though I were a school girl in the 1800’s.

1 light undertone

I am beginning to work the under color of the poppies. And I bet you thought I just applied paint directly as one color….although it may look that way, I often work with several layers of color so that there will be subtle highlights.


1 poppies copy

I am painting Frank. Brings back some nice memories.

1 working on

Putting more color into my painting. These creatures are bouncing on the poppy stem.

1 z Frank and Alice

Finished!  Of course I will need to varnish this work. I use several very light coats of archival satin varnish.

This is a work I made to use as a repeating pattern. I like it just as it is.

But I hope to explore options in Photoshop if I can get through some tutorials!

This is an 8″ x 8″ Ink and Watercolor on Aquabord. It purchase contact me at susanmedyn@cox.net.

 

8 Comments

Filed under Art, New Work

8 Responses to Frank and Alice

  1. Thanks so much for showing your step-by-step – very interesting. I love the expression on Frank’s face – he must be a very kind, endearing person/character. I love the poppies and also the repetition of colors.

  2. Beautiful illustrative post. So great to see your process. This one is a sure winner! Lots of energy, beautiful color, appealing creatures! AND your Dad!

  3. Andie

    WOW! Thanks for sharing your process with us. It’s interesting to see how complex it is. The first shot is a great “selfie” too!

  4. I really enjoyed watching your process! Your work is so original and creative. I can tell you have fun with it. Thanks for sharing!

  5. Linda Yoder

    Susan – thanks for sharing the step-by-step – it was really great to see the process – and I think it’s really special for non-artists to see all the work that goes into an original piece of artwork. Also, loved what you said about your dad – my dad is gone too, but he was also a great guy.
    Keep up the great work!
    Linda

  6. Really like these progression pics……can see your thought process. And a nice tribute to your parents too…..so wonderful……

  7. shlee

    Oh Susan this is so exciting to see your process. Love the Selfie too. lol.
    I got your package in the mail. I LOVE IT AND THE POSTCARDS. They too will be framed.
    What is so weird is that about two weeks ago I took down a photo from one of my walls. I don’t know why – I just wanted to leave that wall blank. Oh my goodness. Then I get your gift in the mail and ……….. it was meant to be put on that wall. It is perfect there. I had this feeling and golly I guess the feeling is I was waiting for your ART TO FILL THAT WALL.
    Thank you so much. I will treasure it forever. You are so kind Susan.

  8. I don’t think your work could ever be described as simple or easy. It always looks like it takes hours and hours. Love this one. Great tribute.

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