Had a bit of a challenge going with a friend this week. He mentioned to me that he wanted to paint an elephant in gouache. Strange thing was, that I had been breezing through some of my photos for inspiration earlier that same day and came across one of an elephant I wanted to paint. I had told him about it and he said we should set ourselves a challenge... just for fun. I felt a bit intimidated that he suggested this challenge as his work is magnificent and so intricately painted.
See his work here. My work is loose and much quicker to paint but I agreed! This is by no means a comparison between our work as we both have unique styles and work in totally different mediums, but I must say, I was touched that he was subtly giving me a boost and encouraging me to paint. Robbie has been so supportive and really been such a thoughtful friend when I lost the motivation. I have come to realise that online art friends are so very valuable and are the best critiques.
Here is my attempt at my elephant. It is far from perfect but I managed to find the inspiration I needed.
Gentle Giant (best viewed large)
I have an idea to do a larger version of this and develop this painting further. Looking forward to seeing Robbie's elephant and will post it here when he has completed his painting.
On this note, I would like to also extend my warm thanks to all my blogger friends who have taken the time to leave a comments to my work. Hope to keep up the motivation and be inspired to paint (hopefully one a day) with the love and encouragement I have received on my blog.
Till next time...... Have a great week!
15 comments:
Thank you for your comment Crystal... glad it evoked something powerful... elephants are powerful in there own right!!!!
Love your comment Rhonda... thank you. Yes Robbie is incredible with all that detail.... his patience is something I envy. I feel that we as artists all have a 'special' skill which we have developed into our own unique style. And that is what is so exciting about art in general!
I am always so pleased when a new post from you pops up! I have been wondering where you have been. Your painting of the elephant is superb and so powerful! I'm already looking forward to your next post! Besides - you need to get some use out of your new squirel mop brush, right?
I love this elephant of yours, Debbie! The colors and the contrast are very expressive.
Wow, Debbie....this is really awesome. He looks really strong and huge. The way you did the background with minimal detail make him stand out even more.
Fantastic Debbie - wonderful contrasts, great aspect too!
Sandra..... I thank you for your lovely comment. I will be painting more...I promise. Glad you like my ellie!!!!!!
Thank you Melissa!! I know you like them too!
Carol... thank you. I find I do most of my paintings with minimal backgrounds. Does help the eye to focus an the focal point more!
Kaye, I like this aspect too.... now imagine how imposing he would look in a larger format!!!!? Thank you!
loved your first wash debbie ... ...good challenge will look foward to seeing robbie's finished painting
Just cam here from Martines page, thats a beautiful elephant. I love the blues)
What beautiful work. i love your elephant ,so majestic. i saw a sad girafe also. i will be back to look see more. Super! Helen
Debbie, your elephant is just magnificient!
:D
Hello, I came here via MartineAlison's blog. What great paintings you have. The details on the elephant is outstanding!
Oh I forgot to tell you, I also drew racing elephants for this week's Illustration Friday theme. My friends and I love elephants.
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