Time-lapse Progression Video of Springer Spaniel Painting

I put together a video of the progress of the springer spaniel dog portrait commission that was painted last year. The painting commemorated the life of "Rex", who spent most of his life bringing joy and comfort to the sick, destitute and lonely. He was often referred to as the life and soul of Magical Paws, Sudbury, Ontario. Hope you enjoy watching the process and don't forget to turn up the volume!

Calico Tabby cat portrait commission: a painting in pastel

I am delighted to be able to share a portrait of this lovely cat! I could not post before because it was to be given as a birthday/Christmas gift to the recipient. I will be adding work in progress shots of this piece when I have more time.

"Bauer"

5"x7"

original pastel painting

Commission

View more of my work at www.colettetheriault.com

Celebrating Yvan Wheale, Manitoulin Landscape Artist

Last month, my friend Gigi and I attend the opening of  Mr. Ivan Wheale's exhibit at Artists On Elgin.  We also celebrated Mr. Wheale's birthday which happened to be on the same day of the opening. Congratulations Mr. Wheale for another successful show!

Gigi and I are seen her with the talented Mr. Wheale surrounded by some of his beautiful paintings. My favourite is that of "Butternut Falls", situated directly above my head!

Large Wolf Painting Wildlife Art

Below are some photos of a pastel painting I sold earlier this year.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your own work proudly hanging in a client's home! Feeling elated!

Blue Peacock Miniature Painting in pastel...SOLD!

This is the first in a series of three peacock-themed paintings. Since I have the three matching frames, the paintings will have a similar color scheme.

I'm not sure why blogger drastically changes uploaded images, looks like they are color enhanced as this is nowhere near as vivid as my painting looks like in real life... I have a better representation on my website at www.colettetheriault.com

 untitled

4"x3"

pastel

available for purchase

New bird painting in pastel on my easel

I've been working on my newest miniature painting which will be part of a triptych. I am mostly using very sharp pastel pencils for this piece as it only measures 4"x3". It is much more difficult to render fine detail in such a tight space but I do love the challenge of creating these little pieces!

Red-Breasted Nuthatch bird paintings (diptych) using pastels...SOLD!

I purposefully positioned the male and female on this diptych to face each other while the shape and angle of their bodies and the tree trunks continually lead the eyes to each painting, harmoniously joining the two together (at least that is what I hope to have accomplished).

Nuthatches are acrobatic little birds, often seen going headfirst down a tree trunk or branch looking for food. Breeding pairs are monogamous which means they mate for life.

As you will see from the reference images below, this time, I really broke free from being a slave to a photograph (or two)!  Since I wanted to paint a diptych of a pair of red-breasted nuthaches in breeding plumage, I sifted through my own reference photos and found a suitable one I had taken of a juvenile red-breasted nuthatch (photo on the bottom right).

I had a composition in mind but none of the photos I had taken were suitable for the second painting... my problem was that I did not have any nice downward-facing poses of a  nuthatch.

Then, one day, almost by accident, I found the perfect pose while reading my blog roll! My dear blogger friend, Carol Blackburn, graciously agreed for me to use hers as a guide for my painting (even though the bird she photographed on the left below, was a white-breasted nuthatch)! 

So, as you can see, the female bird has undergone quite a transformation and even changed specie! As for the male bird, he has transformed as well, just not as dramatically...he is all grown up on my painting...the little guy on my photo was not quite mature yet and had not developed his full coloration!

Progress on nuthatch bird painting

The pair of red-breasted nuthatches (diptych painting) is progressing well today.  
I have begun to differentiate the two birds at this stage, and you can now see that the male has a deeper rust on his chest when compared to the female on the left.  Another distinct difference is that the male sports a black crown while the female's is dark grey (although the angle of the male's head makes it a little difficult to discern).

Progress on nuthatch bird paintings

I am quite enjoying painting these adorable little fellas! This is the first time I paint two pieces at once; I work a bit on one bird and before it progresses too far, I switch to the other bird until I've reached a point similar to the first while working the corresponding area on each bird. From my last post, you can see that I started with the background, and then progressed to the birds' heads. This way, I will see both birds emerge at the same time.

Nuthatches are lively, curious little birds, akin to the black capped chickadee.

A Pair of Nuthatches-bird paintings in pastel

I've just started these two miniature paintings of red-breasted nuthatches tonight using soft pastels. Since both bird paintings share a similar background and color scheme, I've decided it would be easier and quicker to work on them simultaneously.  I also plan to frame them as a diptych...

Snow Leopard Print/Artist's Proof with Remarque

I'm excited to announce that I've decided to make available to the public these very limited Artist's Proof (AP)  giclée prints of my drawing "Peaceful Repose" (Asian snow leopard). The print run is limited to only 5 copies; each with a one-of-a-kind hand-drawn remarque drawing!

 You can see below a larger view of  the remarque which is hand-drawn on the print.  The drawing is created with graphite, charcoal and enhanced with colored pencil.  Each additional AP has a different hand-drawn image of a snow leopard which makes every print very unique. Note that AP 1/5 is sold but the remaining prints are available for purchase for 125$ each.

Tree frog painting off to the 2014 AFC Annual Exibition in British Columbia!

Yesterday I packed and shipped my pastel painting titled "La Vie en Vert" so it could join other works at the AFC Annual Exhibition.
 
The Artists For Conservation Festival takes place at Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver, B.C on September 27 to October 6th, 2013 and is one of the most highly anticipated events in the nature-inspired art field - AFC's 6th annual juried art exhibit and sale, The Art of Conservation 2014!

The AFC exhibit is the world's top conservation-themed art exhibit and sale. Visit the exhibit for an opportunity to buy original paintings and sculptures. The exhibit will feature over 80 original artworks for sale by over 70 leading nature and wildlife artists from around the world.

"La Vie en Vert"

5x7 pastel

What a great way to enjoy worldwide artistic excellence, learn about conservation issues, and directly support conservation work through the purchase of artwork. My painting of a gray tree frog resting on delicate fronds of the ostrich fern will be available for purchase shortly through www.artistsforconservation.org (or contact me for details)!

Additionally, you can purchase a very affordable lovely hardcovery book featuring the work of supporting artists. Click here for more details: http://www.artistsforconservation.org/store/products/artists-conservation-2014-hardcover-book

Multiple cat pet portrait commission

Some of you might remember this portrait from several months ago...It has been along time coming but I can now share the finished six cat portrait!
 

...and talk about a mouthful! From top left to right: blue point Siamese, black/white tuxedo, seal point Tonkinese, and bottom left to right: chocolate Burmese, orange tabby Scottish fold and chocolate tonkinese. 

Portrait of Thierre, Tuxedo, Neko, Sidarka,Mackay and Tyler

Pastel

11x14

COMMISSION

The challenge when painting this portrait was that I had to work from several not-so-good photos for several of the cats. This meant that, along with the client's feedback, I had to use some imagination to help me complete the painting.

Portrait of Belgian Malinois Painting in Pastel

As promised, here is the finished and client approved version of the Belgian Malinois dog portrait using pastels.

After sketching the outline and major features of the dog, I worked the top half of the background first.  Then I started with the ears and worked my way down the dog's face. The last part was adding the darker green on the lower half of the background.

You can follow the work in progress on my website

"Zorro"

Belgian Malinois

pastel

9" x 12"

COMMISSION

Progress of Belgian Malinois Portrait

I took the following photo, which shows the next step of the dog portrait, with my phone and so the colors are way off. It will have to do for now, I suppose...until I scan a final version of the completed artwork and make any necessary color adjustments.

On this step, I'm almost finished the fur on the neck/shoulder and then I will move on to finishing off the background (which should be a breeze)!

Stay tuned for the conclusion to this painting...

Asian Snow Leopard Drawing using graphite, charcoal and colored pencils...SOLD!

I am so very thrilled to announce that "Peaceful Repose" has found his forever home!
Before shipping the artwork, I took the opportunity to do a final scan of the drawing with my new scanner.  I now have a pretty good digital representation of the artwork before it leaves for its final destination.

 "Peaceful Repose"

Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia)

size: 9"x11"

graphite, charcoal and colored pencils

To view the reference image used for this artwork and the work in progress, click here

To read more about the snow leopard, visit my website here

Painting the smiley dog mouth...

I've completed the Malinois' nose and the rest of the cheeks and muzzle on this step. I've also begun defining the mouth and  adding the tongue and shadows along the jawline. Next I will complete fur of the ruff and collar and probably move on to complete the rest of the dog's mouth.

The actual painting is a bit darker than shown and the green background is more on the bluish side...

Malinois portrait progress

In this step, I've painted more of the very short muzzle fur and the nose (which still needs some tweaking). So far, I have layered up to 6 different pastel colors in order to render this dog's fur. 

 

Below you can see the fur details up close (larger than actual size).  Since the small precise strokes require a very sharp and crisp point there is a need for constant sharpening. Concentration and a steady hand is essential to lay the fur correctly. This process is quite time consuming and there is still much more work to be done...

Malinois portrait painting progress...layering of fur!

For this dog portrait, there is much layering of the pastel to get the fur just right! It is essential for the color, length and direction of the fur to be accurate in order to render a realistic portrait.

You will notice that the dark facial mask characteristic of the malinois breed has faded due to the appearance of grey/white flecking that naturally comes with aging.

To view more of my work, visit www.colettetheriault.com

Dog portrait progress of a painting...

I don't know why uploading images to blogger alters the color and fuzzes out the detail but the green background on this painting is totally off (it should be more forest green, toward the blue spectrum)! Oh well, regardless, I wanted to share an update now that I've added the eyes and started layering the facial fur. It is a tedious process of layering and blending the pastels directly on the suede but well worth the results.
He still looks sort of funny at this stage with his nose and open smiley mouth only sketched in.

Commissioned painting of a dog in pastel

After completing a dog drawing commission, I am busy with this new painting of a handsome malinois.

Some of you might wonder how come I haven't started with the eyes?  I felt that I'd rather begin laying in the messy background first (from the top) then working my way down the ears.  I'll most likely tackle the eyes next only because I hate looking at a ghostly figure for too long. 

Daylily Flower Painting in Pastel SOLD!

I love working pastel on velour paper. Here's another variation of the daylily flower from my garden.  Because it produces so many blooms, the plant seems to never stop flowering, even though each individual flower only lasts one day.

Daylily no. 2

 8.5" x 6"

pastel
SOLD

Black Labrador Pencil Drawing Pet Portrait Commission

This dog portrait is now ready to be sprayed with fixative to prevent smudging of the graphite until it gets framed under glass. It is to be given as a father's day gift so I knew I had to complete the drawing very soon so that the client has enough time to get it framed.

Please contact me if you wish to have your pet immortalized as a custom painting or drawing!  I also offer GIFT CERTIFICATES that are perfect for any special occasion for that hard to buy loved one in your life.

"Trigger" Black Labrador
graphite pencil
5" x 7"
COMMISSION

Scanning problems with update of dog drawing

I enjoy my technological tools but sometimes they make me go crazy. Intermittent scanner issues have been causing me lots of trouble lately. I had to resort to use the smaller scanner on my printer which does not give me the results I desire but it will have to do for now. So here is the portrait of the black Labrador just about done!

Art Exhibtion and Sale this weekend!

I will be participating in the following art show in Azilda, Ontario this weekend. If you can make it, make sure to come by and say hello! I will have some originals and several framed prints for sale at very reasonable prices!

Portrait of Dog Drawing Work in Progress

On this step I continue to work the dog's fur, making my way down the face while ensuring each strand of hair is of the perfect length,  direction and shading. Now that the nose has been added, the dog no longer has that "ghostly" look stage.

I will now be able to take a step back and tweak any areas I see need adjusting...

The start of a new commissioned pencil drawing

Switching from pastels, I am now working with graphite/charcoal pencils to render this detailed portrait of a black Labrador dog for a client. I will be posting more work in progress images of this dog drawing so do come back and visit!

Oh, and I have not forgotten to post the six cat pastel portrait...I have to wait until the recipient opens their gift so as to not spoil the surprise!

To view more detail on the drawing, click on each image for a larger view.

Floating Leaf painting

Just thought I'd share a little painting that is out of my norm!

I few months ago, I was experimenting with some new pastels and polychromos oil based pencils. I used one of my photographic reference of a floating leaf with  lots of colorful patterned reflections in the water. I was determined to finish this painting in a few hours! Although I did not achieve the results I was envisioning, I am content that I did try a different approach to painting which was to not spend hours and hours working it to perfection.

"Just Floating By"

approx. 5"x7"
pastel and pencil
Available for Purchase 
(contact the artist)

Some of my Essential Art Studio Furniture

Finally, after many years of working on our kitchen table, my studio/office is slowly being transformed into a more comfortable place to work. My newest addition is a sturdy wooden work table (that I designed to custom fit my space and needs) which my dad built for me.  It measures almost 7 feet long, 2 feet wide and about 36" high; perfect to hide a small shelving unit, an end table and a work stool all at a comfortable height to work without breaking my lower back! The table which also sports two roomy front drawers is built of solid pine and painted with an antique distressed finish. 

It sure beats dragging all my framing supplies out of storage and have to use the kitchen table or counter top as place to frame my artwork and cut mat boards and foam core!  I will be adding pegboard to the wall space above the table which will provide additional storage for tools.

Last year, my dad also built me a storage unit to organize foam board, mat board, sheets of glass, as well as various supports for my pastel paintings. I got the idea from an artist friend and then custom designed my own to accept standard sheets of mat board.  This storage unit is built of pine and plywood and has the same as the table.

The very first project I convinced my dad to build for me was a taboret to store all my pastels. After looking at many types of taborets, with careful planning and by combining several designs, I came up with this baby!

 The taboret has six fully extensible drawers as well as 2 lower open shelves for storage of papers and boards.

I just love my modest and cozy little basement art studio! ~ Thanks to my wonderful dad who so enthusiastically built these items for me ♥ I know they will be cherished and used for many, many years to come.

Flat Coated Retriever Dog Portrait Painting in Pastel

Words truly cannot express the feelings I experience when the client unwraps their portrait and I get to see their reaction as they finally view it in person for the first time. I often find it overwhelming actually, that through my artistic creations I am able to evoke intense mixed reactions of comfort, joy, sadness and perhaps even closure for the owners as they remember their cherished pet. This, in addition to the heartfelt comments I receive, indicate to me that I indeed succeeded in portraying the animal's true character and likeness... just reward for my efforts.

"Galoche"
pastel on suede
11"x14"
Commissioned Portrait

The start of painting the dog face

With the background complete, I now am excited to finally start painting fur! Until all the main features of the face are added, I find that a portrait always looks ghostly at this stage. You'll see once I add the mouth, this dog's expression will undoubtedly change.

Stay tuned folks! I'm working hard at finishing this in the next few days even though I am teaching a 2-day workshop booked for this weekend.  I hope to be able to pull it off!

W

Garden flowers background for dog portrait

Here are two progression shots of the background work for this dog portrait. Having the dog sitting in front of this particular garden is very important to the client since both have great sentimental value. Huge Annabelle hydrangea bushes and giant Hosta lilies make up the vegetation in this particular garden plot and will contrast well against the black coat of this cherished companion.  

The composition below is actually the combination of two different photographs combined together.

Flatcoated Retriever Pet Portrait

Here's a bit more work I've been doing on the backdrop for this wonderful garden setting.  The black dog will stand out well against the greenery and interspersed flowers.

By the way, this dog is said to be a cross from a setter/dalmatian/flat coated retriever. Quite the perfect model she is!

Dog Portrait Commission from photo

I will be working this special commission in between others to reach deadlines. Can anybody guess the breed?

I am using pastels on archival suede which is one of my favorite supports, and the portrait measures 11x14. I hope you will follow me and that you will enjoy watching this piece progress!

Multiple Cat Portrait with Tonkinese in progress

Currently at my easel is a commissioned portrait of 6 very interesting felines.  The cat breeds that I am painting include Siamese, Tonkinese, Burmese, Scottish Fold and a domestic short haired tuxedo. 

Some of the photos I received as reference material are very old and the subject not very well represented but I managed to make out some detail by scanning at very high resolution and blowing up the image on my computer screen. Of course, I also rely on the client to guide me as I paint the subject so that the resemblance is most accurate as possible.  The blue point Siamese cat to the very left will need some touching up before I add the whiskers. I'd like to note that the magenta hue on his coat is the result of my bad photography!

The easiest cat to paint so far is the middle black and white "tuxedo" cat. The reference photos were very good so this made my task much easier.

The cat to the very right (with the unfinished body) is a Tonkinese. It was challenging to reproduce his coat color but with careful layering and blending of several different pastel colors, I believe to have achieved a pretty good likeness. 

Make sure to stay tuned as there's more to come soon!