Art-Devine-Slasher

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Archive for category Oil paintings

Oil painting of an Elephant: Step 2

Jul 29

Posted by Nkolika in Oil paintings | 1 Comment

I started off previously in Step 1 by making an initial sketch on canvas using a charcoal pencil and fixing with a fixative. After the sketch I made a monochrome under-painting with Prussian blue and left it to dry. Now I   am going to use the glaze technique to finish the painting.
Oil painting of an Elephant: Step 2

Glazing is an Oil painting technique that involves the application of several thin washes of transparent colours on each other. The previous layer has to be dry before you apply the next. The colours qualify each other and mix in the eye thus producing a richness that one colour or mixture of colours cannot produce. I am using liquin as my diluent.

After making the monochrome under painting, I applied a thin glaze mixture of raw sienna + burnt sienna + cadmium yellow pale hue. Mixing my paints with liquin in a ratio of 1:3.

Sorry about the poor picture quality. At least I hope you can see what I have achieved so far. The monochrome under painting has given the painting a solid structure and all I’ll be doing is to apply thin layers of paint to keep enhancing the painting. Like I pointed out in Step 1; this is the first time I am painting an elephant, so I am also learning as I go on.

What do you think?

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Oil painting of an Elephant: Step 1

Jul 26

Posted by Nkolika in Oil paintings | 10 Comments

I love trying out new things and projects. I always love a new challenge and I am not so much interested in what the end result would be……good or bad it does not matter (though I aim for the best always).

Reference photo

What matters is starting off. I decided to attempt painting an Elephant and will be showing you how I would be doing it.

I am using a reference photo of an Elephant and her baby which I got from a magazine. Magazines and publications make excellent sources of reference photos for painting. They come in handy especially when one is learning to paint and ideas seem to run dry.

To make the sketch I used the grid format. Though it is tedious drawing the lines over and over again, it gives a very good approximation as to the right magnification while maintaining the proportion.I used a charcoal pencil. Though you can use a lead or graphite pencil.

There are several ways you can use to make a sketch or draft of the subject of your painting. Aside from the using the grid method, you can use tracing paper to trace the picture and then transfer it onto your canvas. Or you can make a free hand sketch. Whichever method you use depends on what you are comfortable with

Oil painting of an Elephant: Step 1

After laying down the sketch, I erased the lines with a rubber eraser and sprayed a thin layer of fixative on it. This is to make sure the charcoal does not stain my paint.

The drawing is then left to dry, after which it would be ready for the 2nd stage and the application of the first layer of paint. The work is on primed canvas and I would be executing it with oil paint.

I then used Prussian blue to redraw the whole picture, bringing out the dark parts, the creases and shadows. This serves as a monochrome under painting. Monochrome meaning one colour.

I scanned the picture and blew it up on my laptop in order to see the wrinkles and fine details well. Otherwise you can use a hand held magnifying lens.

I have split the work into several steps and would be posting the follow up steps regularly.

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The marvel of a New Life

Mar 1

Posted by Nkolika in ACEO, Etsy, Oil paintings | 4 Comments

Abstract ACEO painting by Nkolika Anyabolu (MD)

Pink Abstract

2.5″ x 3.5″

copyright Nkolika Anyabolu (MD)

SOLD

It has been a very hectic week and carrying my increasing weight around has been a challenge that I look forward to everyday. Never knew there would be a time I would feel so comfortable being fat. So comfortable to the point that I would actually joyfully flaunt it. It sure is a thing of great joy watching the way one’s body changes so much in order to accommodate a growing life. For me it is the most wonderful part of God’s creation. A feet that no man has been able to emulate and one that every living being should appreciate.

As artists we struggle to create little things which are often never complicated but our Father in heaven has shown us time and time again that He alone is the master creator. The painting above is an oil painting; one of the very many created under the influence of strong hormones. It was painted entirely with a palette knife and I can comfortably say that every knife stroke was made in unison with every kick in my womb.

I was featured again in another ETSY treasury. Do make out time to visit and click away.  Very many thanks to Elizabeth Graf who is also a wonderful artist.

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Painting of African drummers: Step 6

Jan 11

Posted by Nkolika in Acrylic paintings, Oil paintings | No Comments

I woke up this morning a bit frustrated with myself. Wanted to put up some pictures yesterday but my camera chose that particular time to pack up. It had been showing some signs lately and I feel it’s time to get a new one. Never knew one day I would feel so paralyzed without my camera. Over time I’ve realized that a camera should definitely be part of every artist’s equipment. I go everywhere with my camera……………always ready to capture anything that comes my way. Will have to work towards getting a new one soon.

Yesterday was a very beautiful day (aside from having to cope without a camera!!!) because I went for a scan. It was a glorious experience. Watching our tiny tot move around and his/her tiny heart beating so rapidly. It’s amazing how God creates and leaves us totally in awe of His mighty works. The tiny tot has been moving for awhile now and I have been feeling very unsettled lately. I guess it’ll take some time before I get used to the feeling of a being moving within me. Aside from the unsettling feeling, it’s a wonderful experience. From now on I would be constantly reminded that I’m sharing my body with someone.

Below are some updates to the painting of the African drummers (was able to take some shots today)

I have left out the details on the faces. Trying to keep things simple with more emphasis on the drums.

Painting of African drummers Step 6

Still got a small portion to work on. I have been a bit confused with that part because it’s not clear in the reference picture I am using. I guess I have to figure out what to put there. But I’m certain the man’s holding a musical instrument.

This is a close up shot of the background.

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Painting of African Drummers Step 5

Jan 8

Posted by Nkolika in Acrylic paintings, Oil paintings | 2 Comments

I focused on the drums today. Adding more highlights and depth here and there to give it a more solid shape. For some reason African drummers like using rubber ropes/strands to tie around their drums (yet to understand why they do that!!!). Thus I used a mixture of burnt umber and alizarin crimson to put in the strands.

Painting of African drummers Step 5

An artist needn’t be a clergyman or a churchwarden, but he certainly must have a warm heart for his fellow men.

Vincent Van-Gogh

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