Phyrie's Photos-- Mourning Doves in Arizona

[Phyrie]

Since this thread is already here, I thought I would post my latest art effort here. There is a bit of a story to this one, so if you'll permit?

Paul and Micheal (our son) were in the mall one day, and they spotted this little carved stone cat. They both cracked up at the expression on the cat's face. Paul decided he MUST buy it for me! So home they come, prize in hand. Both of them were grinning like fools when Paul says, "We got something for you!" I am immediately suspicious. "What?" "Here!" And I unwrap the thing. I look at it. I look at them, still grinninly wildly. I look at it again. I say to Paul, "This is the same face you have when you've done something especially stupid!!" They both burst out laughing!! Yep, that was it!!

So, I've decided to put it to paper. I have an idea of affixing it to the ceiling over Paul's pillow, so he can look up at it every morning, and smile. I think that would be funny. I thought I would start the piece in pastel, to make it go faster, and finish it with coloured pencil (my medium of choice, for anyone new). But I ended doing in all in pastels, and I had a lot of fun doing it. It's a totally different medium than CP or watercolour, and I wish I could afford to get into it a bit more. But my few sticks will have to suffice for now.

And on to the piece: here's a pic that shows a picture of the cat, the stone statue itself, and the sketch I will, hopefully, turn into a painting. For those of you interested, it's on a piece of Strathmore Series 500 Charcoal paper, 14"x19.5", done in Prismacolour Nupastels, with one or two Rembrant pastels. The nose and eyes are shiny because I've covered them with Frisket film to protect the black, which I found out later you don't need to do with pastels, but live and learn, right?

CIMG3794 (Large) (Small).JPG (59.74 KB) Viewed 925 times

And the finished piece, I think. I may need to give him something to sit upon, but I haven't decided yet):

CIMG3827 (Small).JPG (42.25 KB) Viewed 925 times

I had fun doing it, and I learned about pastels at the same time. I wish I could afford to buy some "real" ones, but the only way I could is to live in the States and get free shipping and no HST/GST/Duties added in!

If you really want to see this as a WIP, it's on the Wet Canvas site:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=659601

[Sadie G]

Very very nice Phyrie! I can't get over the likeness, perfect! I couldn't even begin to duplicate something like this, I appreciate your talent. I love the story of the cat statue too! Thanks for sharing this.

[princelover]

Great job! While I don't claim to be an art critic and know very little about art, I love your latest work, and that cat is adorable. I can see why it would bring a grin to Paul's face.

[Mali, Sasha & Me]

Phyrie your latest art piece is a perfect likeness! I love the story and think Paul would love to wake up to that every morning.

You are very talented.

[snifferspommom]

Oh my gosh, Phyrie! When you explained the cat figurine in the idle chit-chat thread, I knew it would be this type of figurine!! I have a similar turtle one!! Wonderful, just wonderful!

I remember back in grade school art class, we'd spray hair-spray on our pastel work to keep it from smudging.

[kian]

Phyrie that is fantastic! I like it a lot, you are very talented. If I was heading up your way I would be happy to bring you the supplies, maybe one day.

Your men are such characters!

It was great to read the comments on your site, such a supportive community.

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

Phyrie, the cat is wonderful! I'm sure Paul is thrilled that his gift inspired your artwork!

I am in awe of people who can sketch, paint, etc. All I can do is stick figures!

[daschoundsrule]

Phyrie, That is awsome. You have so much talent. Don't let it go to waste. I'm sure Paul is thrilled. Cyndy

[Phyrie]

Thanks, everyone! You won't believe how hard it was to get that cheesy expression even close to correct! I must have undone and redone those friggin' eyebrows about 50 times!! Well, maybe not 50, but it was a lot! LOL! Surprisingly, the mouth wasn't as hard as the eyes and eyebrows. I'm glad you all liked it. It was fun to do!

[Deerie me]

Lovely work Phyrie and a great history to the cat. Pastels are fun aren't they? So messy. I have some of the rembrandts. They are brilliant to use.

[RubyJeansMom]

Phyrie, Your drawing looks better than the photograph. I love it!!
You have such a wonderful talent...just amazing!

I think most of our OH's get that same look when they've done something stupid...LOL!

[Phyrie]

Thanks, ladies. I didn't QUITE capture the expression, but it's close.

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

Phyrie, that is excellent! I loved the way you managed to capture the stone texture of the statue in your drawing. I think the expression you gave the cat is perfect.

What makes it all the sweeter is the story of how the cat came to be. Has Paul seen the artwork yet? Are you going to hang it on his ceiling? I'm sure Michael would receive a big kick out of it.

[Phyrie]

It's finished. I debated and debated with myself about a background, but I finally decided I couldn't just leave him floating in space, so I gave him a blue surface to sit on. I also tried to creat some shadows, but they looked just awful, and mucked up the funky not-quite-covered texture of the pastel over the paper, so I took them out. I know I could fiddle it to death, but sometimes you just must say, "STOP!" So, I signed it (that means it's DONE) and here it is:

Cat Done (Small).jpg (28.99 KB) Viewed 826 times

This was taken with my camera, as it's too big for the scanner, so the quality is not the best (I haven't seen my tripod since Calgary). I don't have a title. Any ideas?

[Deerie me]

"The Petrified Cheshire Cat"