Bunny by Glennis Weston

Brilliant bunny Glennis

Another smasher... Interesting thought - how do I express it? When you're painting or drawing animals, do you ever find an element of self-portrait creeping in? Now, I'm not saying I think you look like a rabbit! Let that be clearly understood. But I've just been painting a bison (of all things, but I had a reason) and at one point I looked at him and thought - he's beginning to look a bit like me; and I've noticed this before - even by a twist of a lip or expression in the eye, when I paint an animal there's a distinct hint of myself in there as well.... Does this ever happen to you?

Robert, thank you. No I can't say that it has happened to me. I get totally engrossed into the painting and want to achieve the likeness which associates with the particular animal, softness of the fur, glint in the eye. The look sometimes a dog gives you when they want something, such an appealing look. The cow I recently painted had such a gentle expression on its face which I hoped to achieve. Never looked at the animal and think I see myself, although if I could associate with any animal it would be a cat, comfy surroundings, no walks on wet and cold days etc etc.

Absolutely Fabulous Glennis, your work is wonderful. I notice you have used pastel paper for this watercolour, is it as good as using normal watercolour paper? I only ask as I would like to try and paint some flowers using a dark background and maybe this could be the answer.

Margaret, thank you. The pastel paper I use is Canson Mi Tientes smooth side, I use watercolour pencils dry (no water). I have never used water on the pastel paper so I don't think it would be compatible, it would be something you would have try and test, it may work but I don't know. I like Fabriano for watercolour flowers and there are several mixes to achieve dark backgrounds you can use but it is an individual choice. Hope that helps.

Thank you Glennis, I can see I will just have to mix some dark colour and go from there.

Lovely textured fur Glennis.

Beautiful detail and softness Glennis.

So very cute!!

I really love all the negative painting . Beautiful fur textures Diana

A Dutch? Whatever it's a great painting and the eye is spot on.

Gorgeous Glennis!

Lovely. i just want to stroke that nose!

Beautiful fur Glennis, he's a real cutie.

Nice detail in this painting.