Monday, June 28, 2010

Big Oscar

I just finished this painting of an awesome dog that lives in our neighborhood. The painting is 3x3 feet, and since it's a close-up of his face, it looks huge in real life! I love having it in the studio because he looks like he's about to tell me something really important and I like to think of what it might be.
--Julie

25 comments:

Andrea V. Ocampo Gomez said...

EXCELENT!!!

Unknown said...

wow! i wanna do something like this now haha

Rezo Kaishauri said...

He certainly has a personality, and you were able to masterfully capture it, Julie.

James Ryman said...

That's smashing! I love the loose, abstract background against the tighter rendering.

Sam Manley (MidnightIllustration) said...

Beautiful fur texture, and a very expressive face!

Jennifer G. Oliver said...

Wow Julie, you've really outdone yourself! I love his expression, and the way you've got a bit of canvas peeking through here and there. What does Oscar's human think of it?

Julie Bell said...

Thank you so much, everybody! Jen, Oscar's family loves the painting. I just gave them a print a few minutes ago. The daughter in the family (Oscar's sister?) is an aspiring artist, so it's cool to talk to her about it.

Jaime Gervais said...

Beautiful work. Oscar's spirit seems gentle by the way you painted him. Very soft indeed. I wonder, do you still use the same palette from your Fantasy Workshop book currently or do you venture out for more colors to try? Granted there's a lot of convenience colors out there that can be unnecessary but... sometimes can a color just inspire you?

:D Jaime

Julie Bell said...

A color can definitely inspire me! Sometimes I just go to the art supply store and look at the paint, see something awesome, buy it and take it home, and let it inspire a whole new painting. The palette I use is basically the same as what you saw in Fantasy Workshop, but with the additions of some of these "inspirational colors". Also, it's fun to play with the different thicknesses of the different brands of the same color. So many things to experiment with!

Jaime Gervais said...

Agreed. I've been working in an art supply store for 2 years and it's hard not to bring home ALL colors! LOL. Were any Alkyds used on Oscar? Your book mentioned you don't use anything but turps (oms?). Is it because of them being so shiny and difficult to photograph?

:D Jaime

Julie Bell said...

Just turpenoid was used on this painting. I have been experimenting with Galkyd and mixtures of it with oil, turp, etc., but I haven't gotten to where I can handle it the way I'd like. It's just a bit sticky for me and does unexpected things. It's all what you get used to!

Jaime Gervais said...

I find Winsor Newton's Liquins to be very nice to use. Liquin original is really good and leaves a semi-gloss finish so not too shiny. I usually use Gamsol's OMS too - never tried turpenoid. You are so helpful, thank you for sharing your tips - really means a lot to me. Btw, your 2010 calendar is just stunning. :D Any more books coming out from you two?

:D Jaime

Velvet Dog Studio said...

Julie, How beautiful! What a fantastic painting of Oscar!
Suzanne

Boris and Julie said...

Thank you, Suzanne! And, Jaime, thanks for the kind words about our calendar. We'll certainly have new books in the future. We're working on a new instructional book right now.

Jaime Gervais said...

A NEW INSTRUCTIONAL BOOK???
<3 <3 <3!
Yayy!!! You just made my day.
I'll most certainly be looking forward. Thank you again for sharing your techniques and skills with us!

Always, Jaime xo

Anonymous said...

I love like you're painting details in your art....
great work *__*
Your art inspires me to draw^^
What kind of paint you're used, oils or acrilic?

igoohit said...

first i ignored looking at it and begun scrolling down ur page and reading and looking then moved back to the top to realize that the dog was actually a painting, what more can i say? mind blowingXD. thanx for posting. cheers=)

Julie Bell said...

Frozerine--I did this painting with oil on canvas. I usually don't paint on canvas (usually Strathmore illustration board), but I did this one on canvas because of the size and texture. Also, it's just great to experiment!
Boris and I do almost always use oil paint on all of our paintings. The only exception is usually some watercolor and ink here and there.
--Julie

Anonymous said...

Espectacular la pintura del perro. Mis felicitaciones por todo el blog que me ha encantado. Saludos desde EspaƱa. Victoria.

Adrian Tysoe said...

The only Alkyd that worked for me as a medium was M.Graham Walnut Alkyd medium. Not many stores carry M.Graham but its odorless and doesn't tack up like other alkyds do, probably due to the walnut oil which dries a little slower.

Quite a few artists swear by it though I originally started using their walnut based products when looking for a solvent free oil painting solution. (I don't care for the various water based oils)

Unknown said...

congrats on the painting and the new puppy, wondering when the 2010 art will be put on the site?

Jennifer G. Oliver said...

The Wheel of time cover is awesome, and so is the interview-along with the gorgeous lady being interviewed! Maybe it deserves it's very own Paint and Brush post? ;-)

http://www.tor.com/blogs/2010/05/lemgthe-path-of-daggerslemg-ebook-cover-by-julie-bell

Shany said...

This is an awesome painting! Good job Jul!

rich des plaines il said...

hey where are you guys..know you are always busy...hope all is well
wanted to say we all miss you

Nanda said...

Hello Julie! I am Brazilian and I follow their work from small and Boris. I hope someday reach the level you have when it comes to art.
I make paintings and little time for me would be an honor to come into my blog. If you leave a critique on my works would be a dream come true .... Do not hurt to dream, lol
My blog is nandapintora.blogspot.com
Thanks!