Monday, June 18, 2012

Watcher

Watcher
5" x 5" watercolor
$45 plus $7 US shipping or $15 Int.


I'm really excited right now about painting close-ups of eyes and faces, of all types. I guess it's something that I've always done, subconsciously focusing on the face and letting everything else sort of just not matter. But now I'm doing it consciously! Heh. :)

When I first saw this guy (who is an Eagle owl in case you were wondering) I was a little overwhelmed at all the details in his feathers, which were even more apparent in the photo when seen from this extreme close up. But once I actually started painting him I realized that it wasn't the feather details I was painting, but the pattern of color and lights and darks. There goes that subconscious mind of mine again making decisions for me. Pushy subconscious brain thinking it knows better than me. Hmph.

In any case, I think it worked out pretty well. :)

Photo reference by Amanda Richard. Thank you!! :)
Posted by Crystal Cook at 3:55 PM
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24 comments:

  1. Carol BlackburnJune 18, 2012 at 5:16 PM

    Super one, Crystal....he looks so stern!

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  2. martinealisonJune 18, 2012 at 6:34 PM

    Ce grand Duc est tout simplement magnifique... Ce regard vous hypnotise... Nous sommes devenus sa proie !
    Un merveilleux travail bien sûr aussi dans son plumage. Mon ami Léo ne me contredira pas !
    Une superbe aquarelle ma chère amie.
    Gros bisous à vous.

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  3. PrabalJune 18, 2012 at 11:57 PM

    I see a lot of authority in those eyes. Almost scared to look into his eyes. How do you do it!!!

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  4. WatermarycolorsJune 19, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Beautiful painting! Hugs

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  5. Arena ShawnJune 19, 2012 at 1:22 AM

    The brushwork on this one is just amazing. And his eyes... totally captivating! You definitely captured the soul of this bird of prey...

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  6. Sandra BusbyJune 19, 2012 at 3:20 AM

    Oh I want some of that subconscious thingy! Please can you post me some ;0)
    He is just AMAZING!!! I just love these close ups. Those feathers look touchable but the eyes remain the star of the show and just draw us all in :0)

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  7. Bren Graham ThebeauJune 19, 2012 at 4:16 AM

    Fiercely wonderful! He's impressive. Love how your subconscious mind mades amazing things happen on canvas :-)

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  8. UnknownJune 19, 2012 at 4:25 AM

    That's a very intense, dramatic painting! Well done! I love the colors and the eyes!

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  9. Meera RaoJune 19, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    Nice crop! I can feel his intensity and ferocity :)

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  10. Gatepost productionsJune 19, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Interesting observations, Crystal: The way subconscious drives the 'performance' and the detail almost takes care of itself - as a consequence. Celeste was saying something similar, about joining up the darks (in a horse drawing). Even with pen & ink, I sometimes find the pen adding extra shading without consulting me!

    The eyes leap off the page - the intricate plumage is noticed slightly later,(pow! followed by kerpow!) Really wonderful work ... I enjoyed it.

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  11. minnemieJune 19, 2012 at 8:06 AM

    His stare is so intense... can't help staring back!:-) You really are able to capture the life in eyes so beautifully.

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  12. Sonya JohnsonJune 19, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    Owls in particular have such piercing stares, and it's really disconcerting when one is giving you the stink-eye ;). You did a great job of capturing that.

    BTW...if you are looking for some additional photo references of people to use for painting, I have a bunch of good portraits I took last year of the Southern and Ute Mtn. Utes in their ceremonial outfits that I bet you'd love, including some really cute kiddos. They are really photogenic people.

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  13. Barbara PaskJune 19, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    Love this guy. love the way you cropped it and all of the wonderful colors are great.

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  14. Dean H.June 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    Looks as if this guy means business, Crystal! Love the strokes that duplicate the feathers!

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  15. Linda RothJune 19, 2012 at 12:55 PM

    Love this Crystal! The lights and darks are always fascinating.

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  16. renateJune 19, 2012 at 1:38 PM

    Hello Crystal:) Yes you can say this one worked out very well:) What a strong face. Love it! My compliments:)

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  17. PatJune 20, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    Wow! You can feel the menace in him! Excellent work, Crystal xx

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  18. Kim VanlandinghamJune 20, 2012 at 3:54 PM

    I can't wait to see more of these!! YOu really did capture the owl. Amazing!

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  19. Sophie MossJune 21, 2012 at 3:28 AM

    I love this portrait, Crystal! The expression on the owl's face is fantastic. You're so talented at capturing the feel of an animal. This one looks like he/she's ready to go hunting! Watch out, mice. :)

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