Well, she ain't the pretties thing under the sun at this point, but at least she's gotten some color. I did the bark on the tree yesterday. I'm having a lot of interesting ideas for the next painting. This one is turning out awkward! Maybe it will shape up.

Getting my ducks in a row...

I've mostly modeled the mega-mallards on this one. I've been questioning this whole painting. Questioning the content of something so illustrative. Is this mystical and whimsical or just plain stupid? Questioning my technique: taking stabs at completing different elements in random order feels like being blindfolded swinging away at a pinata. Really wishing I'd done more to create reference material.
It's okay. I'm learning some things and have a better idea of what to do for the next one. I might even do this one over! We'll see.

Progress

I'm compelled to outline elements in the early stages of this painting. This is not my usual mode of working, but I've done it before. I think that because I don't have any direct reference for these things I'm using the outlines both as structure and to keep them distinct from their surroundings. Every painting has a phase where I think, "Is this going to be a disaster?" I'm right about there.

Got some paint down!

Alright! Had a guest the last few days which pretty much halted progress. I have a couple of days off now, so it's go time. Usually I work from dark colors to light colors, but on this one I'm going to get the background in first. There's a lot of intricate work over the sky, so I just feel like blocking it in.
The darks of the leaves and the mega-mallards will be next.

Yesterday and Today

Drawing's mostly done. Moved the "Mega Mallard" in the top right corner. Not a full value study, I already know the hair is going to get blocked in with black, and a lot of the background elements I'm going to do with direct paint.


Changed the body of the Mega Mallard in the bottom left corner. Neck needed to be longer. Making adjustments as I go. Already I'm thinking of ways the drawing could be better, but I'm going to stick with the plan. Onward and forward, I'll know to look out for some things next time.


Finally getting some paint on here! Blocking in the darkest darks. Having some issues with paint... or lack thereof. I'm trying some new things with color, hoping to start with some different greens and yellows. Art store is an hour away. Damn. Hopefully I can get there tomorrow.