The original photo for this painting was taken nearby Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries and Galloway as a heron stood on a small rocky island covered in a tangle of seaweed. It was early evening with low light and the heron blended in to the grey ebbing sea. The image I captured gave me the stance I was looking for, but lacked detail, therefore I used other reference photos to re-create the spectacular feathering and colourful legs and beak. The black pastel background is in stark contrast to the muted blues and greys of the subject.
The Process
This was the stance that I was looking for the heron to take. It gave me a starting point, which is my main aim when taking photos.
Progress Photos
Materials Used
With a pastel painting, I start with a sketch and a base layer, then build up the picture with layer upon layer of different shades, refinements and detail.
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