Commissioned Pastel Portrait of a Lady and her Cat with time-lapse video

I was commissioned to paint this portrait of the client's wife and her cherished cat from a "not-so-good" 4x6 photo taken in the mid 1970's.  The client explained that they had lost all of their belongings, in a recent house fire and he really wanted to surprise his spouse with a very special Christmas gift. And all I had to work with was this one photo...

So the pressure was on and I was committed to make this my challenge piece of 2015!  I have created a time-lapse video of the progression of this portrait which can be viewed below!

Step 5 Great Egret Bird Painting work in progress

On this step I have completed most of the bird's long neck feathers. I continue to add dark to medium grey and brown pastel as my under-painting, to created those parts of the white plumage that are darkened by shadows. Stay tuned for more feather painting!!

For those who are curious, the bird is a Great Egret, (Ardea alba), also named the Common Egret, Great White Heron.

Step 4 of Egret bird painting using pastels

I am at the stage now where the bird is starting to pop out of the painting.  The light subject and a dark background creates strong contrast.  Keep watching for more updates!

Egret bird painting work in progress

Now that I've worked most of the background on the left side of the bird, the fun part of adding the main subject can begin!

Although it may be hard to see on this image, I've been adding undertones to the bird's head feathers to give some strong contrast against the white body. Click on the closeup image for a better view.

Winter Snowshoe Hare Pencil Drawing

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and many thanks for all the support and encouragement throughout the year!

This year we have an unusually warm and green Christmas. While I really enjoy the warmer temps, I sort of miss the beautiful blanket of snow. I am sure the snowshoe hare probably prefers the white stuff as well since his white coat makes him stick out like a sore thumb amid the browns, golds and greens of the forest!

New tropical bird painting in pastels on my easel!

I started working on a new bird painting featuring a tropical species that I photographed in St-Augustine, FL several years ago. I have so many reference photos that sometimes, I want to paint them all and really have a hard time choosing which one to do next.

Working in pastels requires protective framing (which can be expensive!!) and since I already had the perfect frame for this composition,  I decided this was the one!  I hope you enjoy watching the progress of this piece.

Temagami Lake Ontario sunrise painting in pastel

This pastel landscape painting of a lake sunrise is the second piece featured at the GNO's Nouveau Louvre Exhibit in Sudbury, Ontario. The dark spruce trees and their mirror reflection contrast against the pale baby blue and coral sky/water. What a glorious calm morning on this beautiful pristine Northern Ontario lake....the start to a picture perfect fishing day!

SOLD

Temagami Sunrise

Pastel

8.5x12

Private Collection

Pastel skies and misty water landscape painting

Fresh off the easel!! The following pastel painting is one of two that I will have featured (among other artists' work) from Nov. 21st to Dec. 23rd at the Nouveau Louvre Exhibition (GNO,174 Elgin St. Sudbury).  This is the gallery's most important fundraiser where all works of art are priced at 200$, with 75$ going to the gallery and 125$ to the artist.

 Don't miss out on owning an original and affordable piece of genuine ART! Just in time for holiday gift giving (or to buy for yourself!).

"Misty Morning"

pastel

9"x12"

This pastel painting comes mounted in a floating black frame:

New Limited Edition Print of Snow Leopard with Remarque

What is so unique about these Artist's Proof limited edition prints is that each of them have a different hand-drawn "remarque" or little drawing. And since there are only FIVE of these individualized prints, it makes them much more desirable to own.   

So, let me introduce you to AP 2/5 of  my snow leopard drawing "Peaceful Repose"!

I will be selling this print framed and will post a photo when it is all dressed up. Contact me if you are interested in owning a piece of my h-art :)

Close up detail of the remarque that I hand-drew on the giclée print.

Pastel Painting of Shetland Sheepdog Portrait Commission

What's not to love about Shelties? Although their long and luscious coat can be rather challenging to render, they are one of my favorite dog breeds to paint.

This portrait unfortunately had to sit on the back burner for longer than I would have liked but it is now finally completed and has been approved by the very patient owners! This Sheltie will be heading home very shortly :)

Pet Portrait of "Ozz"

pastel

11"x14"

commission

Painting Progress of a Shetland Sheepdog Portrait

My favorite part of a portrait is when the face begins to pop off the page...and this little champ definitely has the cuteness factor to boot!


Shelties have a gorgeous coat with beautiful color and markings but rendering realistic fur can be a challenge. Here, I've added many layers of pastel to achieve the color, texture and depth of the dog's luscious coat.

I am now convinced that this dog painting is progressing to the point that I am starting to see the light! LOL 

Buckhorn Fine Art Festival Special Exhibit 2015

More news I forgot to share with you...my little gray tree frog pastel painting finished its year long Artists for Conservation tour from BC to Ontario, showing at the 2015 Buckhorn Fine Art Festival last August.

 http://www.buckhornfineart.com/festival-info/special-exhibit/

The painting was chosen amongst hundreds of artworks submitted by talented wildlife artists around the globe to take part in this unique Nature in Art Exhibit.

SOLD

  

"La Vie en Vert" 

Pastel

5x7

Private Collection

Shetland Sheepdog Portrait in pastel...continued and not forgotten!

My gosh what a busy year! Seems I am now only starting to catch up with work in the studio and office.
Now that the weather has cooled I am forced to spend more time indoors which means I head to the studio as much as I can.

I've been extremely fortunate to have very patient clients waiting for me to complete this superb pose of their beloved dog!!  (Thank you SO MUCH for understanding). 

So here is a bit more on the portrait of "Oz"...

Animal Artistry of Colette Theriault now available on eBay

After much thought,  I decided to bite the bullet and invest some time into marketing some of my larger artwork on eBay.  I am starting with only a few listings for now because of time constraints but also to get a feel of the system and if it works for me.

Shipping to USA and CANADA. The current listings are as follows:

 White Tailed Deer (doe) Painting in Pastel

22" x 16"

pastel

 Click here to purchase artwork

Tuxedo Cat Portrait, Pencil Drawing

25" x 11"

graphite, charcoal, cp

Click here to purchase artwork

All about shipping artwork

Some of  you have asked me how I prepare artwork to be shipped. With the help of photos, I will explain the process which has worked best for me.  The materials I use are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Step 1.
  Sometimes, if a portrait has many layers of pastel or I have used extra soft powdery brands, it may need to be sprayed with a fixative to help hold the pigments in place during shipping. I do this outdoors as the fumes are toxic, and then I ensure the portrait is dry before wrapping. I will often use a hair blower set on "medium" to hasten the process.
  Once dry, the portrait is fixed to a rigid lightweight slightly over-sized board (usually foam core) using tape on the corners.  I use a metal ruler and a box knife cutter and cut the boards on a self healing cutting mat.

Step 2.
  I then protect the surface of the painting using a sheet of glassine paper. You can substitute wax paper if you are really stuck. Make sure the glassine or wax paper covers all of the artwork and is large enough to fold on the back and is secured with tape to the back of the board. 

 Step 3.
  Before waterproofing the portrait (oh yes, trust me on this one!), I write "back" with a black marker on the back of the foam core support, and "front" on a second piece of foam core (or board). I then place the "front" foam core on top of the portrait and "seal" the boards using shrink wrap tape. I start at one end and wrap all around to the other end, then rotate the board 90 degrees and repeat.

 Step 4.
  Now that my portrait is sealed with shrink wrap,  I sandwich the portrait in between another layer of slightly over-sized cardboard, making sure to match "front" to "front" and "back" to "back".   If the artwork is pre-mounted to board, I feel usually safe enough to simply seal the edges at this stage and affix the shipping label.

Step 5.
 Since the peacock painting I am packing for shipping is done on velour paper rather than board, I add an extra level of protection. I was lucky to have empty Bristol board boxes which act as perfect sleeves to slip my protected painting. I simply slide it in, affix the prepaid shipping label and scribble some warnings on the box with a red marker. NOTE: I ALWAYS insure any artwork that I ship, no exceptions!

 Step 6.
  The last step involves sealing the box. I first use regular clear packing tape on all sides/seams as it is inexpensive. For added durability, I then tape all four sides with red "Tuck" tape.  Voila! Now it's time to head to the Post Office!

So far, each and every client has received their precious cargo intact. In fact, I have received many comments from clients about how impressed and well protected my portraits were packaged! Some even went further, saying they had a hard time unwrapping it! lol  My motto: Better be safe than sorry!

P.S. I once had a client tell me their precious portrait was left outside by the garage door during a torrential downpour.  I was relieved to learn that although the outer layers of cardboard were drenched, the inner sealed boards as well as the artwork were dry as bone. Phew!

Cavalcade of Colours show and sale, Onaping Falls, Ontario

There were many, many beautiful entries in this show so I was quite thrilled when I found out my little blue jay painting earned this Honorable Mention Award ribbon! He would make a truly unique and affordable gift for someone special this coming holiday season...please contact me for details.

"Dressed in Blue"

pastel

4x6

Available

A few recent awards and news

Back in July, I was super thrilled that all three of my submissions were accepted into the La Cloche Juried Art Show (Whitefish Falls) AND  absolutely overjoyed that my miniature pastel painting earned First Place in the pastel category!  To top it off, on closing day I found out that I had sold two pieces!! Have a look...

"La Cloche Glory"

pastel 

2.5" x 3.5"

SOLD

"Anchored Off Shore"

pastel

8" x 10"

SOLD

"Balancing Act"

pastel

13" x 9"

Available

(please contact the artist)

Artists For Conservation 2015 Exhibit Book

With anticipation, I finally received the 2015 Nature in Art Exhibit Book from AFC!

This year, my painting of a snowy egret entitled "Angel Feathers" made the cut and was accepted into the online exhibit. It was not available for the live exhibit in BC because the painting sold several years ago, but nonetheless, was chosen and is now published in this beautiful hardcover. I am so very thrilled and honored to be part of such a prestigious organization!

Click on the book page below to read the print!

You can view a better image of the painting by clicking on the images below:

Golden Sunset landscape painting in pastel

I just could not wait to use my new shimmering "gold" Schminke pastel stick! Since I had the perfect frame, I decided to created this mini sunset scene using soft pastels. It measures only 2.5" x 3.5" and is perfect for someone with limited space or who simply enjoys more affordable miniature work.

 

"La Cloche Glory"

2.5" x 3.5" (unframed)

pastel

For Sale

Plein air landscape painting in pastel of Cedar Falls, Wahnapitei River, Sudbury Ontario

I recently sold this plein air painting of a favorite wilderness trail near the Killarney area. I remember vividly how quickly I had to work, not only because of the changing light conditions but mainly due to sitting on the rock ledge in the scorching sun accompanied by numerous biting deer flies! After several hours, I was happy to head back to camp and cool off with a refreshing swim.

You can view a larger image of this and other landscape paintings at:
http://www.colettetheriault.com/Scenes.php

"Cedar Falls" 

(Wahnapitei River)

approx. 9" x 12"

pastel

Private Collection

White Bengal Tiger Cub Painting (pastel)

I'm absolutely elated to share that the following artwork is the third "big cat" painting that I've sold in the last 6 months! This blue-eyed Bengal tiger cub was only 5 months old when I met and photographed him at a sanctuary in the eastern State of Maine.  After being featured at a local gallery, "he" will now be heading to his permanent home in Southern Ontario.

To read more about the plight of white tigers and the problems of inbreeding, please visit my website www.colettetheriault.com

"Enthralled"

16"x16"

pastel

Private Collection

Jaguar Big Cat Painting in Watercolor

This is one of my earlier paintings, created using watercolors.  Regretfully, since I discovered soft pastels, I  longer work with watercolor paints. It's not that I don't like them; I just prefer the ease and versatility of dry soft pastels.

This magnificent cat was photographed at a zoo while he was resting peacefully with his cage-mate, a melanistic (black) jaguar. I decided to paint the normal spotted feline because of the beautiful patterned coat and rich coloration of the fur.

"Sleeping Jaguar"

9"x20"

watercolor

Private Collection

You can view more of my artwork (pet portraits, wildlife, landscape) on my official website at www.colettetheriault.com 

The "ART" of Meditation and Relaxation

I am finally back in the studio after a slight hiatus! It feels great to be able to sit at the easel and lose myself in total relaxation as I listen to music and simply paint. Relax you might say?? Some of you might find it hard to believe that creating art can become a form of meditation. It has for me.
As my mind becomes focused I am forced to concentrate on the task at hand, hence the mental distractions disappear.  Of course, frustration can negatively impact this state of bliss so I try to keep that at a minimum by staying calm and simply believing in myself.♥

Below is a detail snap shot of a new work in progress. I hope you will enjoy the transformation of a blank piece of paper into a special work of art.
 

 P.S. You can follow the progression of this dog painting from start to finish by subscribing to my Facebook page "Animal Artistry of Colette Theriault".   Simply "Like" my page and future posts should end up automatically in your  news feed... OR... you can "Follow by Email" (Both the Facebook and Follow by Email links are located on right hand side of this blog post)  ------------>>>>

Pit Bull Terrier Portrait (graphite drawing)

I haven't had the chance to post all of my Christmas commissions so thought I'd share this dog portrait I created using graphite pencil. 

I had a handful of photos to use but the original reference photo I had to work with measured only about 3 inches and did not have optimal resolution. To make matters more challenging, the client wanted a large portrait measuring 11x14! 

Creating a white animal on a white background may not be immediately apparent but can be achieved by carefully observing and exaggerating the subtle tonal values (highlights and shadows). One must be careful not to darken the values too much or the subject will end up looking darker than actually would be.

For more examples of my work, visit www.colettetheriault.com 
  

Buster

Pit Bull Terrier 

graphite pencils

11"x14"

commission

An artist's life...not always what it seems.

Much to my chagrin, an artist's job revolves around doing so many other things other than paint or draw. As self-employed individuals, we sometimes have to wear many "hats" to help ensure a good functioning of the business.  This might include things like bookkeeping, accounting, advertising, follow ups, grant applications, stocking of materials and supplies, framing, field work, social networking, workshops, websites, promotions, and the list goes on!

While I don't do all of  these things everyday (although some are routine), focusing on actual painting time is not always easy because personal life, well, that often becomes priority too! I've realized I am still learning on how to manage time more efficiently, and organize and prioritize tasks to achieve a healthy compromise and become more productive.

It will be an interesting 2015; I know it will be different than last year.

On that note, I leave you with a glimpse of my first project of the year...a commission of a well known and loved breed of dog. Guesses anyone?

Reflections from my studio

Although I did not achieve all I had planned for 2014, it was still a memorable year. Many wonderful opportunities arose...I explored Panama for 3 weeks, taught workshops for adults and teens (Visionart), established new relationships with several galleries, sold quite a few original paintings and prints from my inventory, worked with old and new clients as I created commissions for them, and met some wonderful people who've inspired me to never give up! Thank you all and I welcome 2015 with open arms, embracing the new adventures and opportunities that await...