The Duke Ridin' the Range
This was an illustration I did for my portfolio, back when I thought I’d like to become an illustrator full-time. Was fun just putting this imaginary scene together.
Original ptg: 18” x 16”
acrylic on canvas board
The Duke Ridin' the Range
Linda Callaghan
fabulous painting!! very clever..ride em cowboy. Love your clouds too, wondering how you get those soft edges? very talented that you are
thepaintedsoul replied
This was a fun painting to create. Getting soft edges. . .hmmm. . .not easy. I usually have to define the lights and darks of the clouds, then I splat a nice blob of paint over the top of the clouds once they’ve dried and use my finger to blend them smooth. It’s so much simpler to do soft edges with oils or touching up with an airbrush – but I don’t like fussing with an airbrush. : >). I have taken a toothbrush, loaded it with the cloud color and used my thumb to flock an atmospheric layer on the edges. But you have to be careful not to overdo it or load the toothbrush with too much paint. (Don’t ask me how I know.) That’s one of the drawbacks to acrylics.
You probably didn’t know what you were getting into when you asked. LOL. I do love to talk about techniques with other artists, if it helps them or me. : >)
Hope you have a grand rest of the week. Cheers! Michael
Linda Callaghan
thank you so much Michael for the feedback – I am still learning so trying to soak up all the information and hints that I can from you professional painters…I don’t know any techniques except the flicking of paint with the toothbrush for stones etc. and this is more enjoyable talking to others on redbubble than reading books! good to know I can use my fingers then to blend etc. thanks for your time appreciated. Have a good week yourself :-)
thepaintedsoul replied
Hey Linda, Glad it was at least encouraging. What’s a little whacked is my Austrian professor encouraged us to use our fingers to smooth and blend with oils. So there I was using flake white and swirling my fingers through it. Hmmm. . . wonder if the lead in that paint affected my intelligence.. : >)Cheers!
Linda Callaghan
LOL thanks for the laugh – I seem to be forgetting things of late and wondering myself if the paint is affecting my brain!
bdazzled
Congratulations on your feature – This is great work – just like we remember him :-))
thepaintedsoul replied
Well thanks bdazzled. . .that’s the highest compliment you could hand me. Appreciate it.
linda858100
AWESOME
thepaintedsoul replied
You are so kind Linda. Appreciate it.