Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Buffalo Study in Pastel

Switching gears a little. I am beginning a commission of an American Buffalo in pastel. Not having many buffalo in Northern Virginia (if any) to use for reference, I have chosen an image off a royalty-free photo website. I hope to change the image enough to make it my own. Above is a value and composition study done on gray Velour paper about 8X11. I like the soft effects of the pastel on velour, but can't decide if I want more texture as with the other animals I've done in pastel on watercolor paper. I have a few more days before my supplies arrive and so a few more days to decide.

6 comments:

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Elizabeth Seaver said...

Very nice, Ariel. Look forward to seeing it in "person."

Anna M. Branner said...

My husband wants to know if you are doing this for Neil Young. :) He has buffalos you know. No matter, this is gorgeous. Once again your talent is showing!

ariel freeman said...

No it isn't for Neil Young. I don't know him, but would love to see his buffalos. I really prefer to work from my own references. I have more of a connection to the painting if I have a life experience to relate and I think using your own reference makes the work more authentic. Thanks for your comments!

Bonnie said...

Great start. They have buffalo at the National Zoo, or at least they did a few years ago. It might be a tough outing with kids right now, but all for the sake of art!

ariel freeman said...

I tried the National Zoo, but they no longer have American Buffalo. I heard the Richmond Zoo may have one, but I won't be able to make the trip. Plus, I would really like to see them in a more natural setting.