Loose as a Goose… or Elephant!
Click on image to zoom in
Sometimes in a persons life, they need to loosen up. You know, undo that top button on your shirt, throw an old pair of jeans on, and loosen your belt (those who still have gluteal muscles) not me, yep straight as a board. This painting is still in progress, with details and highlights yet to be put in, but I’m using it as a learning tool to stay loose. I watched a video of an amazing Australian artist Robert Hagan that inspired me to once again, back up on the brush, back up on the canvas, and relax. Man does this stress me out! Relax, relax, how can I relax when trying to stay loose while painting. How does he put so much life, color, movement, and a detail that’s not detailed but sure looks it when viewed. Wow! I love this style of painting and I hope to get better at it, that is unless I stroke out from the stress trying to stay loose!
This painting is a still in progress, 18″ x 24″ acrylic on stretched canvas
This is awesome, Ryan! It’s as though the elephant is emerging from the fog and it really works!!!!
January 10, 2012 at 7:20 am
Thank you Beth,
I’m hoping to finish it tonight and post the final tomorrow.
January 10, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Beautiful work, Ryan! I love the mist around the elephant…It’s just as Bet said. Excellent work…Do more of these!
January 10, 2012 at 8:47 am
Thanks Deb!
Elephants, Zebras and Barns seem to be the big seller items for me, so zebras are soon to come. Glad you like the style
January 10, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Magnificent!
January 10, 2012 at 7:38 pm
I already love this piece, Ryan! I really like the soft color palette you’re using and that is one life-like elephant.
January 12, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Thank you Bree!
This is a struggle for me with this style, but I’m learning. Love your photos of the past year!
January 13, 2012 at 7:55 am
Wow, Ryan this is beautiful. I’m not sure how much more it needs to be finished. It looks great now.
January 12, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Thanks Ruth,
I’m not doing much more to it, a few details and a touch of foreground.
January 13, 2012 at 7:52 am
This is beautiful, great work. Thumbs up both of them.
January 13, 2012 at 7:39 am
Thanks Alonso!
January 13, 2012 at 7:51 am
Quite frankly, Ryan, this looks finished to me! I like the idea of the huge bull emerging from the canvas as pictured here. Wise words about staying loose!
January 13, 2012 at 7:55 am
Totally PHENOMENAL! Truly you are beyond talented, I am in awe!
January 13, 2012 at 11:38 am
Thank you so much for your kind comment, not sure I’m deserving, but thank you very much. I loved your blog, I hope your outlook on life is as bright as your blog. Thank you for visiting and keep SMILING!
January 13, 2012 at 11:47 am
You paint the best elephants! I really like this one too! I laughed that you are stressed at trying to paint loosely.
January 13, 2012 at 12:13 pm
You and I have opposite problems !
. I love what you have done.. Yu have captured the power of the elephant, yet there is gentleness in the painting from how you treated the background! Wonderful !
January 14, 2012 at 7:54 am
Hi Ryan.
I have an award for you.
http://adamsart.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/one-lovely-blog-award/
January 14, 2012 at 9:46 am
Thank you so much Deb for the award. It’s been a crazy week because I work for a small company and one employee from my department is on a two week trip over seas. I trying to manage the department, do my job as an art director, and also his, to say the least it’s been a little crazy. Thank you again and hopefully soon I’ll be able to return to posting and visiting my blog buds.
January 17, 2012 at 5:11 am
I love your elephant. Looks very loose to me like he could stampede right off that canvas. And the artist link is superb too. I love that painting of the girl on the water. Very beautiful
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne
http://cheyannesexton.etsy.com
January 16, 2012 at 7:02 am
Thank you CheyAnne,
Robert Hagan is an amazing artist, there are several paintings shown on youtube.com or other video venues of his work.
January 17, 2012 at 5:14 am
Ohhh what a wonderful painting, Ryan!!!
It is “MAJESTUEUX”.
January 16, 2012 at 9:07 am
Thank you! but thank you so much. They are very Majesteuex creatures and easily admired.
January 17, 2012 at 5:17 am