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Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Tentative Start

We came across two young male lions late one morning as we continued our exploration of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve in September. Unlike the older lions we happened upon, these younger lions seemed less comfortable in the presence of our vehicle and, after we'd observed them for a short while, they casually moved off, presumably in search of some tourist-free solitude.


I captured some decent photographs of the pair, including the reference shot on which this painting is based. Other than flipping the photo horizontally and cropping it to create what I feel is a more pleasing image, the painting will replicate the photo to a large degree. I acknowledge that I often rely too heavily on photographic reference, but as the subject in this case is a simple study of a young lion, I felt there was little need for further manipulation.

After I'd contemplated tackling this piece with oil paints, I opted for the more familiar option and have reverted to acrylics. I'm keen to switch to large canvases and oil paints in the near future, but after what's been a long absence from the easel, I felt that acrylics would pose fewer challenges as I strive to rebuild some much-needed confidence.

Cheers
Pete

8 comments:

Colette Theriault said...

Welcome back to the easel Peter! I know this one will turn out fabulous...Looking forward to future updates, hint, hint.

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Colette - it's good to be back. In fact, I was reluctant to post while this is still a work-in-progress given that several of my paintings have ended up just like yours - unfinished and forgotten, behind the door!

john said...

It seems surprising that you lack confidence. You have talent in spades. This one looks really good just as it is.

Roger Brown Art said...

Great to see that you are back at it again,It already looks good but I really look forward to seeing it completed.

Peter Brown said...

John, thanks for the positive comment.

You of all people should know that it's only our own approval that really counts!

You have great ability, but it seems you seldom acknowledge it - at least from what I read on your own blog posts. You're much better than that!

Peter Brown said...

Thanks Roger. I'm really feeling my way with this one, and I too look forward to seeing it completed!

If my recent experiences in Botswana don't inspire me to generate some decent paintings, perhaps I should hang up the paint brushes permanently!

Roger Brown Art said...

Not sure why you say some decent paintings since your work is more than decent its superb!As you said we are our own worst critic.

Peter Brown said...

Roger, I'm trying hard not to be so critical of my own work, and I'm viewing the next few paintings as a learning exercise. If I make the switch to oils, the learning period will be even longer!