Work in progress. This painting is 28" x 38". More images can be found on my Pinterest Board for this painting.
The phases of the Pokeweed plant. It starts with the delicate white flowers, transitions into the green pods and then to the rich, dark berries. Native Americans used to use this North American plant for inks.
The sketch to scale, then I use carbon paper to transfer it to the panel.
Starting with a wash of magenta, or more specifically, Liquitex Quinacridone.
The muses for this piece, sisters Hayden and Paige. Photographed in my backyard with the other muse for this piece, Pokeweed.
Starting work on Paige. My thoughts with her character is that she represents the past. She is connected to the white flower phase of the Pokeweed plant, so I want to try to make her as light and white as possible.
Getting the details in her face. This is a still from the time lapse video I am creating while working on this painting.
The first bits of color, the Cheshire Cat returns...but not for long.
Beginning Hayden's face. She represents the future and she will be bold, inspired by the final phases of the Pokeweed.
I just did not like how the cat was sitting in this space. I knew it from the sketch, but I just kept telling myself to keep with it. He may return in a different location.
Getting playful with the background. I want this piece to be a mix of what I have learned from working on the Wasp in a Wig and Identification Series. Tightly detailed, yet loose and playful.
Boo assists with the tracing paper for a second cat.
A silly mini movie from "Ink Well" that shows a drawing of a feline who did not make the cut into the final painting.
The cat is replaced by a hybrid Bonsai/Pokeweed tree.
My supervisor keeps me on task. Not 100% on her face. Changes to come.
Starting to develop her new face and hairstyle.
A new friend!
Getting some definition to the hairdo.
Some work on the feathers and starting the necklace.
Making some progress on the tattoos.
Leg tattoos finished. More on upper arm.
Starting to add definition to the leaves.
Giving the shoes some volume.
More value in the tree.
Starting to "carve" the front of the chair.
Blocked in.
Starting the chair face.
Adding a few more tats to her shoulder.
Starting the new foliage.
Starting the green kitty.
Current state of the piece, December 2015.
Blocking in leaves with basic kitty blocked in.
Adding to the upper right background.
It's wild out there! Background coming together.
Green glazes and fur.
Making "To Do" notes.
Studio day, but it is SO nice outside!
Detail of face and leaves.
Detail of background figure.
Detail of cat.
Detail of chair.
The finished painting. Available HERE.