Day 49

Swanning Around

(4x5", Oil) Price: $100.00

I was so tempted to call this painting of a Mute Swan "Cranky Cob". The day we took the reference photos - at Lake George in New York State several years ago - this male swan was vain, arrogant, pushy, and just a bit cranky. A male swan is referred to as a 'cob' while a female is called a 'Pen': I have no idea why. However, ole cranky boots chased off his mate when she swam near us and planted himself decorously there instead. He followed us all around the tiny pond and posed for pictures. It's a good thing he was beautiful and the sunlight was stunning that day. Bob sketched him and I took photos with both of our cameras for maximum effect. I might just paint him again: some of the other photos from that Fall day aren't too bad either.

Anyway the title is apt, as the term means - according to the Oxford American Dictionary - "casually moving to and fro in an arrogant or aloof manner". I think my generation refers to it as 'posing'.

I'm trying to use a great deal of my own reference photos for my subjects, as I don't like infringing on the copyright of professional photographers who make a living from their product.

The palette consisted of the usual suspects: French Ultramarine, Burnt Sienna, Transparent Gold Ochre, Cobalt Blue, Titanium White, Alizirin Crimson, and Cadmium Yellow Medium. Brushes included: 1/2" Filbert, Size 4 Filbert, Size 1 Round, and small fluffy blending brush.

So, I guess I'd better go and see what else there is to paint. Things got decidedly frantic this week, and I'm behind again. So what else is new?
Cheers
Marianne