Artists are Magicians!!
They are.
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| ALVIN - 5 x 7 Watercolour - $130 Matted 8 x 10 |
Think about it.
Take for example a writer. She uses the same words you do but hers are compelling. They grab you and hold your attention for hours. I, for sure know that. I have a good book that is calling me right now.
Song Writers, Musicians, Dancers and Visual Artists are the same. They use the same materials everyone has available to them and yet turn them into something beautiful, captivating, amazing.
Alvin, a lovely neighbourhood cat that adopted me one summer, is a beautiful fluffy gray with white markings. His fur is soft and silky with lots of little hairs floating at the edges. Looking at his painting, above, you can see and feel that. He is alive. Yet, he is really a picture on a flat piece of paper.
Let's look at how to make that Soft, Fluffy Fur.
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| Alvin - Reference Photo |
3 Conditions for Fluffiness
1. The Subject
If the subject is something perceived as fluffy you are half way there. The viewer is already thinking soft and fluffy. The power of suggestions is big in the Magic World.
2. The Variation in Values
This is where all the work is. I start off with an outline drawing of my subject with key elements marked. ie. eyes, ears, special markings, . . .
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| Alvin - my set up layout, only the key elements are outlined |
The next Step is to fill each area with the lightest value for that area. This needs to be done carefully following the direction of the fur pattern.
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| Note the Value Scale and the value I am using for my first layer |
This process is very similar to the blocking in process of oil and acrylic painting. I find working on this layer helps me to become more familiar with my subject and my drawing.
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| Starting to work on second layer |
After the first layer, it is time to go back and refine the layer, darkening one value level at a time. This needs to be done lightly as more layers will go on top. I usually switch to softer pencils to get darker values but still keep my texture.
At this time I also begin to work in different areas of my subject as I compare values to the reference and try to match them in my work. This is a continuous process as I work around the drawing.
3. The Edges
I am always intrigued by the edges of things. They tell a very important story about any shape. Notice the work along Alvin's back. I deliberately left it smooth. I wanted you to see the difference when I started to add the fine hairs that float out from it.
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| Here I started to add the hairs on the edge of Alvin's back |
Notice how adding those protruding hairs on the edges of his back, his face and his chest give meaning to the lights and darks in his body. As you work on the edges, remember, they too need to have several layers as they are made up of many different values.
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| ALVIN - WIP - Not finished but you can see the softness already in his body |
Notice how fluffy it is starting to appear around Alvin's chest. You can feel the softness of his fur as it rolls over his back and the starting of his mane along the side of his face and under his chin. Not finished but already coming alive.
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| ALVIN, THE HUNTER - SOLD |
Alvin was a ready model for me and I enjoyed drawing him several times. Here is another drawing I did of him. In this portrait, I burnished my pencil work to give it an even softer look. You can very clearly see how the many changes in value give his fur a rich, soft, fluffy look.
You can try your hand at drawing Alvin - Free Downloadable Picture of Alvin HERE
Blog Post: How to Draw/Paint Fur that is Soft and Fluffy
For More Information:
Video on YouTube: How to Draw/Paint Soft Fluffy Fur with Wendy Mould
Blog Post: How to Draw/Paint Fur that is Soft and Fluffy
Move your work to NEW LEVELS?
Contact Me for:
1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250) North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove)
Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk? Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you. Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop. Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing. Beginner to Advanced are welcome. Special rates for younger students. More info here.
2. Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley, I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online. Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward. Drawing & Painting Lessons: 1.5 hr sessions $75. Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25. Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals.
3. Available at Art by Wendy's Studio
Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work,
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Have a great Artful Day,
Wendy
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