Sunday, November 21, 2010

More Red-breasted Nuthatch paintings...

Painting 82, Red-breasted Nuthatch with confetti-warm feathers...
Pencil drawing, watercolor, oil pastel
9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

This little Red-breasted Nuthatch started its life as a pencil drawing. Later that evening when I got home, he morphed into a watered-down watercolor where he sat all night being bored and looking boring. I couldn't take it, so last night I pulled out a new pack of oil pastels that I picked up from Michaels last weekend and an old pack...from 1978 (I couldn't believe they still worked!) and started experimenting. I haven't used oil pastels since high school, so I didn't know what would happen. As I added in layer after layer, I loved the feel. I used a smudge stick and my fingers to blend. At the end, I shaved bits of the pastel over the painting and then smashed the bits in with a downward movement of my finger for a heavier pigment release. He sort of looks like he's among falling confetti (some sort of birdie party, I guess).

Painting 83, Vigilant nuthatch, always ready to work.
Pencil drawing, watercolor, oil pastel, soft pastel
9x12 Arches Rough 140 Lb Paper

The process on this painting was similar to Painting 82, but I deviated on the background, bringing in a square-shaped soft pastel to scrape some of the oil pastel away and then leave its powdery residue behind to be smeared over the rest of the painting. I love experimenting with these different styles. It's so much fun to make up things as you go!

18 comments:

holdingmoments said...

Great results from experimenting Kelly.
I love the idea of a 'birdie party' lol

Lois Evensen said...

Very, very nice. Your experiments turn out so very nice.

Bob Bushell said...

Fantastic paintings, it comes as you are experimenting.

Laure Ferlita said...

Love the fearless attitude with which you approach the art making as well as the wonderful results you create!

Out on the prairie said...

You did a great job. I am a lefty so smudge sometimes when I don't want to.Very rarely get to see this one.

Montanagirl said...

Well you do a fine job with your "Making things up as you go" ! Very nice, Kelly.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Very nice, Kelly.... I'm so glad you are enjoying your art so much... You have made so much improvement.
Hugs,
Betsy

Susan Ellis said...

Red Breasted Nuthatches are one of my favourite birds, and you caught their perkiness exactly! Love the red mixes too.

Chris Petrak said...

Wonderful! love you art work.

TonyC said...

I love the different styles you use Kelly - looks like you are almost back on target for the ton!!

Margaret said...

The saturation is so nice here ... you are on a roll.

forgetmenot said...

Very nice work--I love the background.

Kjell T. Evensen said...

Very nice.

Looking at your paintings got me to go back to my old training Corel Painter 11 CDs. That's the only way I can paint: electronically. ;)

Elaine said...

Ah, I'm lovin' it! It's exciting to see you trying out all these new things.

Chris said...

I'm just speechless.... These are fantastic once again!

Jayne said...

Wow... he really POPS Kelly!

Jacqueline said...

Absolutely Adorable!

Kelly said...

...thanks, everyone! I love what you can do with oil pastels. I think I'll start using them more often. I like the illustration feel and the saturated color! I'm so glad I'm doing the 100 Painting Challenge because of the experimentation...fun!