This painting has been rattling around in my noggin for some time. I think I first had the idea at the Calgary Zoo when I saw Skoki, the grizzly bear, sitting in one of his ponds, playing with something floating on the water.
I had taken photos at the time, hoping for some good reference, but while they didn’t give me what I needed, the idea stuck. I have more reference photos of brown bears than anything else, thanks to the time I’ve spent at Discovery Wildlife Park and I used several bears for reference for this painting.
That made it more challenging with different angles and lighting, as did painting wet fur rather than dry and fuzzy. I’ll admit that I didn’t think I could pull it off for much of this painting. It didn’t look half decent to me until several hours in, but that often happens when I paint these critters.
As the man said (often falsely attributed to Churchill), “When you’re going through hell, keep going.”
Eventually, it comes together, the personality shows up, and it turns into an enjoyable pursuit rather than a frustrating one. What was at first a slog, seeming like hours of no progress, ended up to be work I didn’t want to stop.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of painting grizzly bears.
Cheers,
Patrick
Oh I love it. You are so talented!
Too kind, Polly. Thank you.
We all loved Brown Bear Skoki (“Spa Day”) and would welcome him to the gang. Your quote “When you’re going through hell, keep going” struck a chord with me. Unbelievable as is may be, it seems I was essentially hit by silly stalkers from the dark web. The gang
fortunately have kept me going. Your art is not only beautiful, it’s therapeutic. Thanks, Patrick!!
Thanks Barb and Gang! If my happy critters bring you smiles, that’s always a bonus. 🙂
Wow! Loving each lovingly drawn hair of this bather. Thank you…again! 😉
Thanks, Anna!
You can truly see the personality coming through on your paintings. When I look at of the pictures or coasters I have I always smile. Many of my family are also getting to enjoy your work. Please keep going!
Thank you, Lesley! I’m glad you like my funny-looking critters. I have many more to paint. 🙂
OMG , I love this bear! He is so adorable.
I hope he will turn into Diamond Dotz someday!
Much appreciated, Lisa. I hope it Diamond Art Club chooses this one, too.