Wildlife Art – The Creative Process

The creative process has already gone through many stages before I even think about putting any paint on the canvas, from actually visiting the animal, whether that be in a wildlife park, private reserve or the wilds of Africa.

From there I gather my references and think about the composition, lighting and mood I want to convey.

The drawing is then put on the canvas, sealed with a thin acrylic coat and allowed to dry.

Adding the paint
The 1st layers of paint are merely blocking in, I am however conscience of painting in the fur direction even at this early stage.

The main challenge of this stage is to achieve a solid form, one which I can build detail and colour variations upon.

More underpainting
Continuation of the blocking in stage

Further blocking in
At this stage the first blocking in stage is almost complete. I estimate the painting to be approx 40% completed. Absolutely everything will now be adjusted as I bring the paintng to completion.

Refining
Refining the painting means adding many more layers of paint building upon the under layers (above) increasing the feeling of fur depth. I also glaze areas to give very subtly variations in colour.

Below you can see the finished painting.

Oil on canvas – 32 x 20in

Prints available NOW on my site
Wildlife Art