This tiger is cute in his own, odd way. His face got a little smooshed and he is a bit cross-eyed but he has oodles of character.
I knew the proportions of his face were off when I first sketched it. Instead of redrawing, the plan was to correct it during the painting process. Obviously, that did not happen. That said, there are many technical aspects of this painting that I am really pleased about (mixing colors on the paper in the background, the use of negative space, dry and detailed brush strokes). So show this smooshed face guy some love!
During our vacation in Seattle, T and I took lots of pictures. Some were happy vacation pics and some were photo references. Below is quick painting based on one of those photos from Whidbey Island in northern Washington.
I have been wanted to try out a folded nib pen for a long time. Many artists use them for calligraphy (the letters produced with this nib are kinda insane) but it can also be used for drawing. The nib can lay down lots and lots of ink, or very fine hairlines, producing pleasing line variation. I used Daniel Smith walnut ink, which is lighter than my favorite Winsor and Newton peat brown ink. However, it is capable of nice darks when layered.
walnut ink 10x7 on 140lbs paper
This is a custom, hand crafted folded nib pen created by Tim Leigh. They are works of art in and of themselves. I have pages and pages of practice lettering with my pen. It has been a joy learning and practicing with this pen.
No, I have not run away, just been a little busy. And productive (with painting, calligraphy, and letter writing). I have lots of paintings to post and hope to get to them very soon. Below is one from my Stillman & Birn sketchbook that I have been working in quite a bit lately (I actually hope to fill up this year!!).
