Elephant Dreams 18 x 24" Acrylic on canvasI finished the elephant. I tried not to overwork it and had to stop myself a few times from getting too detailed. I love how it turned out - otherworldly, dreamlike... and I could cover myself in these colors...
It's the biggest painting I've done so far, and I really enjoyed working this large. There was a sense of freedom and movement that came with this big canvas.
I wanted to paint the energy of the elephant: Strength. Ancient wisdom. Power.
The colors are earthy because they speak to me the strongest right now. It feels like they came straight from my soul.
You can see the original post with the first few stages of the painting here.
It's the biggest painting I've done so far, and I really enjoyed working this large. There was a sense of freedom and movement that came with this big canvas.
I wanted to paint the energy of the elephant: Strength. Ancient wisdom. Power.
The colors are earthy because they speak to me the strongest right now. It feels like they came straight from my soul.
You can see the original post with the first few stages of the painting here.
The painting is magnificent. And now, if you haven't already, you must go read "Water for Elephants." It's about so much more than elephants, but I know you love animals, and I think you will love this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda! I've heard that's a great book, it's on my "to read" list. :-)
ReplyDeleteI can't stop looking at the tusks. They're so simple, but I have this expectation of what they would feel like to the touch. FanTAStic work.
ReplyDeleteI love the elepphant, I am a huge fan, I especially love the colors...you are fabulous! Take care, cinner
ReplyDeletePhenom!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the elephant as a power animal and painting the energy part. In India Ganesha, the elephant god is "Lord of Good Fortune" and also the "Destroyer of Obstacles".
ReplyDeleteHello to one who sits atop the loess hills from one whose home is upon the debris left by the Missoula floods.
ReplyDeleteI like your painting. The colors are superb (though I wouldn't have thought so if you had asked me before you used them), and I applaud your restraint in regard to greater detail.
Awesome, Kathleen! It's so powerful. The red give me a sense of power and at the same time, a cry for help for survival. Great work!!
ReplyDeleteDiscworld, cinner, FDF, and Mona, thank you so much for your kind comments!
ReplyDeleteGreetings Snowbrush! Thank you for your visit and taking the time to comment. I never thought I would paint an orange elephant! I originally planned to paint over the red-orange and just have it peeking though in spots to warm up the painting, but I loved it so much that it stayed front and center.
Thank you Akiko, I love your interpretation of it!
Kathleen its lovely, the colours work very well, you have just put the right marks, well done!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, t is stunning! I really admire your painting style.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sam and Kelly! :-)
ReplyDeleteReally cool painting Kathleen!
ReplyDeleteKathleen!
ReplyDeleteThis elephant is awesome!
I think you captured the feelings you wanted.
Impressive, powerful, connected with nature, and wise in the ways of the land, are what come to mind when I saw this piece.
The colors are wonderful. Reminds me of the earth, like clay or terra cotta.
I think the large size goes well with the subject matter too. An elephant ACEO just wouldn't do!
-Dean
Tammie and Dean, thank you so much for your comments.
ReplyDeleteDean, thank you for all your comments today! And thanks again for your interpretation of this piece. And you're right, elephants need a big canvas! :-)
LOVE this. I've been super elephant obsessed lately so that makes it even more awesomer...er.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jessica, so good to hear from you! :-)
ReplyDelete