Have you ever wondered if the animals have feelings like we do?  So many people think they just act on instinct, but I would disagree with them.  I have seen them react to situations and even think through things before, so I believe there is intelligence behind those eyes.  They get emotionally attached and feel sorrow just like we do.  So, please think twice before you get a pet that you might not be able to keep…because they will bond with you and become attached.  They have fragile hearts just like we do, and we should respect that.  They are God’s creatures and we are supposed to care for them to the best of our abilities.

This drawing is from another safari picture of a young male and a young female lion.  They are obviously very fond of each other.  I thought it was so sweet!  I began this drawing while I was away, and have been finishing it between all of my other projects.  I think it is one of my favorite drawings….mostly because it shows the emotions of the cats.  As a matter of fact, I like it so much that I think I will paint a picture of it in color with my pastels.  That should keep me busy….after I finish my other paintings which are in progress.

I hope any other artists out there are challenging yourselves to be creative.  If you are not a practicing artist, but have always wanted to draw or paint, I challenge you to begin!  Be creative, and don’t compare yourself to others.  Everyone has a different style and yours will be unique to you.  That’s what is so special about art.  There are so many different types, mediums, and styles.  Just pick up a pastel, drawing pencil, paint brush and have fun creating!

Bless you!

Mary

I have been so busy with recovering from my trip north and trying to go through all of my house to get rid of excess “stuff” (don’t worry, that does NOT include any art work!), that I haven’t taken as much time for creative endeavors as I would like.  However, that is changing as we speak…

Here is a graphite sketch that I did while I was away.  I thought you might enjoy it.  Again, it is from a safari picture.  There is one more that I really must share…it is so sweet!  Stay tuned, and I will be sharing it very soon.

Hope you are well and happy, and enjoying this beautiful weather.

Mary

I like to keep my hand in drawing, so while I was away, caring for my Dad, I bought a sketch pad and some pencils.  I left in such a rush that I didn’t pack any.  The only thing I could find to draw was this little guy.  He is a very small jointed bear who travels with me all the time.  (I hope you don’t think that is too weird.)  He reminds me of home and brings me peace.  His name is Wally…

Hope you like it!  More art to come!

Be blessed!

Mary

Happy Friday to you all!

Here is the final installment of my lion in-progress pastel painting.  As you can see, I have added more highlights and deepened the shadows in the mane.  I just love the expression in the eyes of this guy.  He has a certain calm assurance about him which indicates that he KNOWS he is the king!  I think we all need a bit of that look in our eyes.

Stay tuned for another work-in-progress coming shortly.  I know I have the wolf posted on the website already, but I think you might enjoy the process of that painting.

See you soon!

Mary

I was able to keep up with some of my art while I was away.  I left so abruptly that I didn’t take any materials with me.  The local craft store came to my rescue with a pad of drawing paper and a set of pencils.  Pure heaven for me!  I did a couple of drawings while I was there, and I will be sharing them at some time.  Now, however, we must get on with the lion drawing.

In this picture, you can see that he is almost finished.  I have added more of his mane on the lower area and created the skin folds on his side.  Folds are very interesting, because there are high places and shadows in the deep places that have to depict the light accurately for them to appear real.  You might notice that he doesn’t exactly match the photo.  As artists, we are allowed to take some “artistic license” and create a “likeness” that is marketable and possibly more pleasing to the viewers eye.  My colors are slightly different and I think a bit softer.  I have been very pleased with the progress, and I will post the final picture in a few days.

Thanks for looking and enjoying my art!

Mary

Be blessed, until next time!

The Lion continues to grow out of the velour paper in this installment.  I have been adding more details on the facial planes to give it more form.  Also, I have begun to work on his magnificent mane.  Step, by step he is looking more majestic.

I am also working on several other projects which I will be sharing with you.  I have been taking an online class with a very talented artist named Johannes Vloothius on painting landscapes.  It has been years since I attempted one, but I am looking forward to giving it a try.  We all need to apply the new information we learn, don’t we?  I hope you are enjoying some creative time too!

So, on with the creation of the lion.  In the second phase of my painting, I filled in some more of the highlights and blocked in more definition of the ears.  The face is starting to take more shape and definition as the planes are more defined on the nose area and the sides of his head.  I also decided it was a good time to begin adding some background to define his outline and where his magnificent mane would be.  Lions are so regal, and I wanted to have him looking like a king.  I also decided that the piece would be monochromatic for the most part.

Hope you enjoy!

Don’t you just love these modern, somewhat helpful things that seem to have a mind of their own at times?  So, please bear with me for a brief (I hope) time, and the next installment will be up soon.

Blessings!  …..and be creative!!

Mary

I printed out a copy of the photo and began with a light sketch transfer.  True to myself, I always begin with the eyes.  I suppose that’s because the eyes are the window to the soul and where you see life.  Once I captured the correct expression, I began working on the other areas of the face adding beginning layers of color and mapping out the highlights and ear shapes.

This painting was done on velour paper with soft pastels and pastel pencils.  I really like the velour paper for doing animals as it gives a unique softness to the fur…almost making it touchable.

More on this painting in a few days.  Be blessed!