Work in Prog - Nov 09

Thank you for your progress report...he is going to be one beautiful leopard I can see! I know what you mean about painting the fur, you can go cross-eyed without any trouble at all! Very interesting info on your method. Good luck with him. Have just looked at your wildlife work and it is very, very impressive, I must say. Looking forward to seeing more. I have just started working in acrylics first time for a long time...I'm not very good but I enjoy it. So it's interesting seeing how you tackle the medium...I have done some wild life in watercolour...can't decide which gives better result for me though. Have done a fieldfare in acrylic, my first one, it's a bit ropey! Cheers.

PS; For what it is worth, I like the background you have now, it throws all the emphasis on the animal.

This is a really lovely painting even in it`s unfinished state I to like the background the way it is to . It gives an atmospheric / eerie feel to the main focus of the leopard.

I would leave the background either completely plain to leave the leopard to stand out or do what you suggested and develop it but then who am I to comment on backgrounds? Mine are rubbish. The cat is beautiful now and is going to be stunning when finished. The background on your gorgeous wren is fantastic so how about something like that but darker?

This is looking great. Look forward to the finished piece.

The only comment I would give would be praise. You are doing a great job. Think you are right painting in short bursts. The background's fine. Look forward to seeing finished painting.

I don't think I'd dare comment - this is already a powerful image of watchfulness, tension, energy, and power. I agree with the others (and you've already said as much yourself) that the background needs to be kept in soft focus; perhaps you'll glaze muted colour over it. Take all the time you need, is the only advice I'd presume to give - you can't rush this sort of thing and aren't in a race... I really look forward to seeing the next stage.