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Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Letting It Sit A Bit


First finish. It's time to let the painting sit a bit. I imagine some work will need to be done on the background. It's still wet so it's hard to see if the strokes and blacks need softening. The cat may get a few more whiskers, but for now, that's enough.  I have learned over the last three years that I have a first finish, a time when I think it's best to put down the brush, back way off and just let it sit as I go about other things. As I  back up often while painting, I also like to  put a distance of time between me and my signature.  I've got a week. to get uninvolved and objective. It's not as long as I would like, but it'll have to do. I want this signed, the sides painted and  the whole thing varnished and dry by Thanksgiving when my granddaughter will be home for the holiday.

26 comments:

  1. That cat is awesome and one really feel the embrace. So far, so good. Happy painting.

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    1. No more 'so far.' Unless I'm suddenly compelled to make some minute adjustment, this kitty is done. I'm looking forward to boring you all with a portrait of JD, a three quarter figurative portrait, my first.

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  2. The car seems very happy with the outcome. And so it should! I know what you mean, it takes me ages to see a piece of work as a complete 'picture.' It stays as WIP and just a lot of lines for ages

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    1. I am. I do hope it dries with no objections showing up. I once read, it's in the artist's best interest to get all her work out of the studio--out of reach--for she'll never be totally satisfied with her work. I think there's some truth in that.

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  3. I wouldn't change a thing! Love it. Nice the contrast in style and details from the lady to the cat! I am waiting for the video of how this is done! But love the on going discussion of the process and always, what is in the artist's mind! Thanks for the experience!

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    1. Thank you Gus. Kind words. It seems I am at my best when painting subjects I love. Taylor is one of those and if she loves the cat, then I do too. --Sure, a video, with talking and demonstrating--that'll be the day. I am a behind-the-scenes gal. :-)

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  4. Dear Linda:WOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
    A cat outstanding, in the arms of a young woman so glamorous and mysterious.
    Lucky granddaughter!

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    1. Thanks Rita. It did come out much better than I expected. The subject was a first.

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  5. A lot of tenderness in this gorgeous painting, and the cat is just over the top awesome, the real diva in this painting ... totally in the spotlight !

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    1. Thanks Jane. I think the cat is living the lives of a diva. He is adored. :-)

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  6. a great job ....I am sure your granddaughter will love this!

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    1. Thanks Celeste. She has given it a google plus, so I guess she thinks I caught a likeness. I know I caught a likeness of her, so I'm happy.

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  7. This is definitely one of my favorite paintings of yours! I've never seen such a great painting of a cat, he looks like a star ;)

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    1. Thanks Kyla. I tried my best.I must admit, a cat would never have entered my mind, if my granddaughter hadn't suggested that's what she'd like as an apartment gift.

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  8. I believe the shade transition from the woman to the cat is purrfect. Don't change it!

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    1. I'm not touching this JJ. I'm glad I was able to pull it off having never painted an animal before--other than the turkey with the pilgrims in kindergarten. :-)

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  9. Beautiful. You captured life in the cat's eyes. I agree with JJ that the shade transition from girl to cat is very pleasing. It also appears that even your darkest shades contains lots of layers color. It adds to the life of the painting. This one is going to get BIG SMILES at Thansgiving:-)

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    1. I hope so. It was a challenge where I felt I was feeling my way throughout the whole process. Lots of colors went into that black. I'm hoping my touch ups yesterday have blended in, for I really don't remember what darks I used. That's what I get for being intuitive and not taking notes.

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  10. Je me suis autorisée une petite promenade dans votre blog... et hum! j'y ai découvert de véritables petites merveilles...
    j'aime les mots qui accompagnent également vos oeuvres...
    Je reviendrai doucement de temps en temps, mais souvent, vous faire une petite visite.

    Gros bisous.

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    1. Thank you so much Martinealison. I welcome you. It is nice to make your acquaintance; I'll be over for a visit very soon. Gros bisous.

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  11. Really, really like this one, Linda! I think you handled the values masterfully and because of the composition and subject matter, it has a bit of a spiritual quality as well. Bravo! I think your granddaughter will be thrilled.

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    1. Thanks Susan. I did rather surprise myself. I thought I wasn't a cat person, but maybe I am?

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  12. Beautifully done! Personality plus - great interest and texture, consistent all around.

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    1. Thanks Dan. Being for my granddaughter, this painting had to come out great. So far no complaints. It might get a signature next week?

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  13. The painting is so fabulous, brilliant idea, magnificently executed. You are damned clever!

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    1. Thanks Sharon. Not really. I was taken aback at the suggestion I should paint my granddaughter a portrait of her cat. I don't like cats much; they give me a headache. That's what prompted my idea to include her. Her being in the portrait, held my interest and served as a constant reminder of why I was painting this animal. Her presence also told me why it had to be my best effort.

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