The Finished Painting

 

Tracking   by Linda Besse    Original Oil   42" X 30"  

 

 

The above is the scanned image of the painting.  

 

 

 

 

Footprints

 As I mentioned in the first post on this painting, there is a twist. A secondary element which is designed to be seen after you see the leopard.

I wasn't quite sure how I was going to do this but fortunately the night before I wanted to paint that part we had a light snow. Perfect! I took out my boots and stomped around in my driveway, cellphone in hand.

This is the main reference I used.

More finished

 The cat is nearing completion. I'll go back through and throw in some defining hairs.

More Leopard

 

Overall the leopard was looking too light so I spent some time putting richer color in to his fur.

 

 

The kitty-cat

 

The first place I start on any animal is the eyes. The fun thing about these eyes looking directly out of the painting is that they will follow you no matter what angle you are to the piece.

 

Next up I work my way to the nose and mouth and then continue with some spot sections.

 

 I've filled in some lighter fur sections on the head and played around with the tail.

 

 

The Background

 With all the action in the foreground, my background is designed to direct your attention to the foreground. Nothing too busy or distracting in the background.

 

The trick is getting the right balance - not drawing your focus but also not an amorphous mess.

Recently Finished

 Every now and then I want to paint an "in your face" piece. A painting when the animal grabs your attention, whether you want it to or not.

This painting is that kind of piece. There is a twist which I designed as a secondary element so you do not see it right away.

The painting is 42" X 30" which is on the larger side for my work. My in-progress steps start below.