Diva Bovina

"Diva Bovina" (pastel, 24x36 inches) sold

This one was a special request commission for a good friend and client, who saw another artist's "cow on sofa" painting and wanted my own version. Since she's from Wisconsin, she requested a Holstein. I had just one good photo of a reclining Holstein in my files, and it was lying in the woods under dappled light. Since I love a challenge, and when it comes to lighting my subjects I must be logical, I had to include the dappled light... and the woods!

I call her Diva Bovina, which means Cow Goddess in Latin.

See some progress shots below, starting with my original photo and Photoshopped composition:

the cow in the woods (my friend said "polled please!")

my final composition

The sofa was 'borrowed' from the web, with the color and design changed to protect its identity. What I was looking for in a sofa was the light from above, and this one worked perfectly.

I get my drawing down on gatorboard which is primed with a single layer of my gold colored pastel primer mix, which is Golden (brand) Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold fluid acrylic color mixed into Golden Fine Pumice Gel at about a 1/4 (color/gel) ratio.
I usually build up more layers of the gold mixture to start my underpainting, but with more complex and large images, I like to start it with a terra cotta color which is the Art Spectrum (brand) Pastel Primer.

This helps me see the main pattern of the image better, and then I can build up the lighter and mid-values of the underpainting from that point.

When an animal has a considerable amount of black fur, I'll also use some of the black Art Spectrum primer.

Oops, I had almost forgotten the hooves! They were hidden in the grass from my photo, but when I referenced several other cow pics to find good reference and drew them in, I decided I didn't like the front hoof pointing downward to the corner, so I re-drew the front leg tucked under (which involved more additional references, but somehow I got it looking all right.)

At this point, the grasses got way overworked and fussy...

So... I wiped them all off and started over!

That's better. I'm calling it done!

"Diva Bovina" framed

Thanks for watching! If you liked this large project, consider signing up for my "Large Project" workshop in Ulysses, KS in September! (All mediums welcome!) Or if you know someone who would enjoy it, please share the info! Click the flyer below, or visit my website workshop page at RitaKirkman.com.

Domino

"Domino"  (pastel, 12x12 inches)  $575 framed

Taxes are done, but other obligations of life keep nibbling on my time. I have managed to paint a few things this past week however! This was one I had started months ago and had set aside. I'm glad it was delayed because I think I'm better now and I like how she turned out!

Domino is going right into her frame and might be in my upcoming show Beauty of the Beast, at the Rockport Center for the Arts, Rockport TX. The reception is May 16 and the show continues through June 13, 2015.

 In the end, I added another spot above her right brow for more expression...

Neufchâtel

"Neufchâtel"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

I figured such a handsome dairy cow deserved to be named for my favorite cheese. But something in her expression made me think she'd rather be named something else. Please, anything else but Gouda! So I call her Neufchâtel.

Here are a few progress shots (please excuse the color variance):

Thanks for watching! Please share!

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Polka

"Polka"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

I've had an epiphany of new name ideas for these cows, etc, and have started gathering lists. I like the names that have a potential for multiple meanings. 'Polka' is on my 'dance names' list, but I gave it to her because of the dots.

See my progress shots (ignore the yellow cast to these pics):

The photo with the primer underpainting, 3 layers of nickel azo gold with terra cotta.

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Pot Roast

"Pot Roast"  (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

Also from the Holstein feed lot, I decided to continue the slightly morbid name pattern. (Thank you to Kaye for the name suggestion!)

A few progress shots below. I was out of my studio, so used 2 printed photos (one for highlights and one for shadows) instead of my iPad. I am seriously addicted to that iPad!

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Mignon

"Mignon" (pastel, 7x5 inches)  click here to bid

I loved the light on this Holstein. And the light in her eyes spoke of patience and caution, in contrast to the others in the herd who were all rushing the fence to get a closer look at me.

I got some progression shots while working:

Thanks for watching! Please share!

On another note, I've posted some photos on my Art Journal Blog from my weekend in Connecticut for the award reception of the Hudson Valley Art Association. Click the photo below to see!

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