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colours within the animal; the colours of makes the piece work as a whole. Often I rely on my work practice to help. Several
the shadows created as the sun falls across I add a plain background or if the reference paintings, at different stages, can always
the animal; the shapes of the reflections photograph has been taken in a natural be found sitting on the shelves of my art
in the eyes. This leads to layers of colour setting, I will recreate the background, room. Working on more than one painting
where I have added and wiped away paint, adapting it to suit my style where necessary. not only helps keep my work fresh, but
searching for the right tone and dimensions, Sometimes I feel I need to place the animal essentially gives me time and space to reflect
which all adds to the finished depth created. back into its natural habitat and for this, on a painting throughout its progression.
They are like components of a jigsaw; research is required as creating the right I felt Gentle Giant required a simple
they don’t work together unless you find background and getting the right balance background that enhanced the light and
the right ones. is essential so as to compliment the animal shadows on him. I originally stopped
The backgrounds of my paintings are and not distract from the main focus of at adding the pale blue crosshatched
sometimes more of an afterthought due to what has already been created. background, with the light coming from the
being so consumed with the subject matter It is on occasions like this, or when I’m top right hand corner, but having him hang
itself. In reality, it is the final addition that struggling to progress with a painting, that on a wall whilst working on another piece,

Misty, oil, 16 x 20" (40 x 50 cm)
My client wanted a favourite photograph of Misty re-created as a forever keepsake of her inquisitive nature. The framing foliage draws your eye into the middle.

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