RATS. I will always click on a rat. That earlier one, I think, looks too velvety, a bit mole-like. The second one less so. Really great posture—limp front paws, curiosity in every line (enhanced by catchlights in eyes)—and that fanfare of whiskers is just right. Like tiny fireworks! Thanks for ratting up my day, it’s much appreciated.
It's always so interesting to get feedback and see my paintings through someone else's eyes! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts... it's really appreciated.
You’re very welcome. I should also mention that you of course captured the rat’s nose-first approach to life. I’ve seen them stand like that many a time. Was a rat kind enough to model for you?
A very generous lady who runs a rat rescue shared tons of photos. So I studied them carefully to make sure I understood basic anatomy and posture, then picked specific photos out for the paintings.
I am amazed you can get such a great posture from photos. I’m still an amateur but I find I’m more accurate when looking at a real thing rather than a photo. Both rats are just wonderful. I’m especially drawn to their ears!
My mother in law gave me a set of these recently, along with some other art supplies she was getting rid of. I looked at them but wasn’t sure how to use them. Very excited now to give them a try, thanks! 🎨
Yes! I think many animals are misunderstood based on how they look or how we have forced them to adapt. I've heard rats can be very affectionate pets as well.
The “Rat” caught my attention, after reading about your fox. And the criticism, regarding just who can post on Substack, that followed. Seems you have the right intention to write, along with your beautiful imagery, and share your craft with those whose sensibilities correspond with your own.
Please don’t get discouraged, ever!
Regarding Chiaroscuro, being the rat is my Chinese Zodiac animal, I couldn’t help but be delighted with your interpretation. Well done, and, thank you for the insight into the medium you used.
Thanks for taking an interest in my work… I appreciate it so much!!! I’m really glad you liked my rat. Maybe I’m biased but it’s the best zodiac sign, too. 😊🐭 And I think the best response to anyone who gatekeeps or limits art is to make more art.
My daughter is a rat enthusiast and she will love your beautiful rendition. Also, thanks for sharing the materials and techniques - I didn’t know these ones were so good! Of course much credit goes to you! ❤️
.. i wonder if those ‘crayons.. might work with ‘hand coloured black & white photographs - in a previous lifetime utilized Marshall Oils .. but eventually moved on via PhotoShop when in the mood .. Am no longer ‘worried re ‘precision or accuracy & never could ‘draw a lick.. or play a musical note - for that matter haha ! But found my way - as a ‘shooter - stills & motion picture .. But even a ‘HyperMedia artist like myself must - or can ! rely on ‘a single page or ‘still image, even an icon - to represent ‘ideas or project - ‘impressions and/or Fictions.. non ? 🦎🏴☠️🎬
PS - your delightful FOX reminds me of beloved Canadian ‘Writer’ - Farley Mowat & ‘Never Cry Wolf.. but same idea re ‘how they pounce !
Thanks so much! I'm still learning about Neocolors myself, so please take this with a grain of salt but I'm not sure if they would stay adhered to a very slick surface (like gloss photo paper) long term... it's certainly worth a test. I wonder if coloring/painting over a laser-printed image on watercolor paper would work. 🧐
Was never a fan of ‘glossy or matt prints anyway & hated putting glass over an image too - but very true that only ‘satin finish worked well with my rudimentary ‘skills.. Later I came to love ‘archival rag style papers that survived the Epson Printers & i frequented specialty paper & art stores..
Also became a student of Archival Lamination !
Many of my images are many many generations removed from ‘original output - or even ‘shot off screen’ & another hypermedia artist & great pal of my son & I - Richard Cortes led the charge ..
I learned to adore what I called ‘virtual or ‘perceived Resolution & as a shooter & artist - was & remain relentless at ‘capturing the image - and/or letting ‘the image capture me’ .. ‘Go big or don’t Go .. eh ! 🦎🏴☠️🎬
Thanks so much! And yes, if you can, please do try them... they're so much fun! I feel learning watercolors is like learning how to dance with a partner vs. dancing by yourself. It takes time but the collaboration is worth it!
This warms my heart so, so much to hear! Thank you!!! 😊 I think we can all benefit from more art, especially when the world is looking a bit greyer. I wish you the best in your own art practice and hope it brings you much joy and light.
I did a small leaf yesterday but can’t seem to post it. I’m too timid to put it on my own Substack. I see how you moved to notes and I tried to put another painting there, but it disappeared. I’m not real successful on this app or whatever it is.
I forgot to mention in the other post that I love your explanation of how you use the Neocolor II. I’ve had a set for a long time and just never got use to working with them. Your outcome with these rats is just stunning and I’m anxious to try the crayons like you described. Thanks so much for that!
It makes me so happy that you’re going to try something new because of what I shared! I’m always encouraged to keep writing when I receive a comment like this. 💕
Neocolor IIs are, without question, the most versatile of all the mediums I’ve tried. I would love to see your Neocolor art if you decide to post it anywhere.
I’m so glad to hear that. What a great gift! They are so versatile… I hope you have a lot of fun with them. 😀
RATS. I will always click on a rat. That earlier one, I think, looks too velvety, a bit mole-like. The second one less so. Really great posture—limp front paws, curiosity in every line (enhanced by catchlights in eyes)—and that fanfare of whiskers is just right. Like tiny fireworks! Thanks for ratting up my day, it’s much appreciated.
It's always so interesting to get feedback and see my paintings through someone else's eyes! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts... it's really appreciated.
You’re very welcome. I should also mention that you of course captured the rat’s nose-first approach to life. I’ve seen them stand like that many a time. Was a rat kind enough to model for you?
A very generous lady who runs a rat rescue shared tons of photos. So I studied them carefully to make sure I understood basic anatomy and posture, then picked specific photos out for the paintings.
I am amazed you can get such a great posture from photos. I’m still an amateur but I find I’m more accurate when looking at a real thing rather than a photo. Both rats are just wonderful. I’m especially drawn to their ears!
Beautiful art and story excerpt!
Thanks so much! 😊
My mother in law gave me a set of these recently, along with some other art supplies she was getting rid of. I looked at them but wasn’t sure how to use them. Very excited now to give them a try, thanks! 🎨
Now I want a pet rat named Pohtaytoes.
Ahahaha... yes! You've made me want one, too!
I could swear the second little guy twitched his whiskers at me…..
Haha, thank you! 🐭
I’ve met pet rats at close quarters - surprisingly intelligent, charismatic creatures - I think you’ve captured that beautifully.
Yes! I think many animals are misunderstood based on how they look or how we have forced them to adapt. I've heard rats can be very affectionate pets as well.
I loved everything about this post. Putting a broken heart together wrong explains so much.
Thanks so much! 😊🐭 The world seems to have too many hearts like this, sadly. But the book has a good ending, so I hope.
J E A N…
Just now seeing your site.
The “Rat” caught my attention, after reading about your fox. And the criticism, regarding just who can post on Substack, that followed. Seems you have the right intention to write, along with your beautiful imagery, and share your craft with those whose sensibilities correspond with your own.
Please don’t get discouraged, ever!
Regarding Chiaroscuro, being the rat is my Chinese Zodiac animal, I couldn’t help but be delighted with your interpretation. Well done, and, thank you for the insight into the medium you used.
Thanks for taking an interest in my work… I appreciate it so much!!! I’m really glad you liked my rat. Maybe I’m biased but it’s the best zodiac sign, too. 😊🐭 And I think the best response to anyone who gatekeeps or limits art is to make more art.
My daughter is a rat enthusiast and she will love your beautiful rendition. Also, thanks for sharing the materials and techniques - I didn’t know these ones were so good! Of course much credit goes to you! ❤️
Oh, awesome! The rats were wonderful to try and capture. And you're very welcome. :)
Have you ever drawn gerbils? We miss our cuties so much
Not yet… I’m so sorry, though, our furry family members always leave us too early.
Too bad! If you ever need reference gerbil photos (good ones) we have quite a few!
Thank you… that’s so generous! 🩷 If I’m ever ready to paint gerbils, you’ll be the first person I’ll reach out to.
You are very welcome! 🤗
.. i wonder if those ‘crayons.. might work with ‘hand coloured black & white photographs - in a previous lifetime utilized Marshall Oils .. but eventually moved on via PhotoShop when in the mood .. Am no longer ‘worried re ‘precision or accuracy & never could ‘draw a lick.. or play a musical note - for that matter haha ! But found my way - as a ‘shooter - stills & motion picture .. But even a ‘HyperMedia artist like myself must - or can ! rely on ‘a single page or ‘still image, even an icon - to represent ‘ideas or project - ‘impressions and/or Fictions.. non ? 🦎🏴☠️🎬
PS - your delightful FOX reminds me of beloved Canadian ‘Writer’ - Farley Mowat & ‘Never Cry Wolf.. but same idea re ‘how they pounce !
Thanks so much! I'm still learning about Neocolors myself, so please take this with a grain of salt but I'm not sure if they would stay adhered to a very slick surface (like gloss photo paper) long term... it's certainly worth a test. I wonder if coloring/painting over a laser-printed image on watercolor paper would work. 🧐
Was never a fan of ‘glossy or matt prints anyway & hated putting glass over an image too - but very true that only ‘satin finish worked well with my rudimentary ‘skills.. Later I came to love ‘archival rag style papers that survived the Epson Printers & i frequented specialty paper & art stores..
Also became a student of Archival Lamination !
Many of my images are many many generations removed from ‘original output - or even ‘shot off screen’ & another hypermedia artist & great pal of my son & I - Richard Cortes led the charge ..
I learned to adore what I called ‘virtual or ‘perceived Resolution & as a shooter & artist - was & remain relentless at ‘capturing the image - and/or letting ‘the image capture me’ .. ‘Go big or don’t Go .. eh ! 🦎🏴☠️🎬
My gosh, how beautiful the rats are!
I find watercolor to be the hardest medium to get right.
Thank you. Wonder if I'll ever get off my behind to try these out?
Thanks so much! And yes, if you can, please do try them... they're so much fun! I feel learning watercolors is like learning how to dance with a partner vs. dancing by yourself. It takes time but the collaboration is worth it!
you are incredibly inspirational!
im astounded to see and hear(read) your process of being a creative human.
im an old artist that has lost her way but now have accidentally received motivation and inspiration from you…
you are a natural ( who’s working her booty off to gain competence)!
=^..^=
This warms my heart so, so much to hear! Thank you!!! 😊 I think we can all benefit from more art, especially when the world is looking a bit greyer. I wish you the best in your own art practice and hope it brings you much joy and light.
I did a small leaf yesterday but can’t seem to post it. I’m too timid to put it on my own Substack. I see how you moved to notes and I tried to put another painting there, but it disappeared. I’m not real successful on this app or whatever it is.
Oh no… I really wish they’d allow images in newsletter comments but maybe they’re afraid of abuse. 🙁
I forgot to mention in the other post that I love your explanation of how you use the Neocolor II. I’ve had a set for a long time and just never got use to working with them. Your outcome with these rats is just stunning and I’m anxious to try the crayons like you described. Thanks so much for that!
It makes me so happy that you’re going to try something new because of what I shared! I’m always encouraged to keep writing when I receive a comment like this. 💕
Neocolor IIs are, without question, the most versatile of all the mediums I’ve tried. I would love to see your Neocolor art if you decide to post it anywhere.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon you. I’m entranced by your paintings, Jean 🤩
That is so uplifting to hear and really made my day… Thank you so much! 😊
And I love the Neo II’s …
Me, too. I have more in the next post. 😀