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.
These are beautiful. Hope to try it out your way soon. Used them just a couple of days back but in the usual way….. coloured with them on paper and then came back in with water. My set has severe damage with a long dunk in dirty water n getting reconstituted but they seem to still work!
rats are one of the best creatures on this damn planet and you absolutely NAILED their fluff. immediately took me back to being 11 and having my pet rat snuggling against my neck while I went about my business. beautiful work, I'm excited to follow you!
Cleverrrr! Brilliant work, as you said, creating the effect of fur without a single blade of hair. I actually don’t need another lot of equipment but I think I just may check out those water soluble crayons.
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.
Thanks so much! The rats, surprisingly, didn't take as long as I thought they would, maybe two days on and off. I'm a very slow painter in general and even smallish paintings can sometimes take a week.
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’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. 😀
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.
These are beautiful. Hope to try it out your way soon. Used them just a couple of days back but in the usual way….. coloured with them on paper and then came back in with water. My set has severe damage with a long dunk in dirty water n getting reconstituted but they seem to still work!
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. 🐭🩶 I’m glad to hear the Neocolor crayons are so robust… hope you have fun with them pre-dissolved!
rats are one of the best creatures on this damn planet and you absolutely NAILED their fluff. immediately took me back to being 11 and having my pet rat snuggling against my neck while I went about my business. beautiful work, I'm excited to follow you!
I’m so happy that you know and love rats so well and liked my paintings of them. It means a lot. 🥹 Thank you so much!!!
No po ta to. Friend shaped. 😊
😆 Friend-shaped rat thanks you profusely!
My mistake, I should have said Pastels! Not crayons. 😏
Cleverrrr! Brilliant work, as you said, creating the effect of fur without a single blade of hair. I actually don’t need another lot of equipment but I think I just may check out those water soluble crayons.
I started with just a handful to test… I’m really loving them!
I always like reading how artists and creators work and discover new ways to use tools and materials.
Thank you! And I’m happy to share.
He is the most beautiful rat I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing him.
Wow, thank you… that’s amazing to hear. I’m really grateful. 🥹
I so appreciate your technical details, color choices—wow! Can’t wait to try these!
Thank you!!! 🐭 I really hope the Neocolor IIs work out for you.
Now I want a pet rat named Pohtaytoes.
Ahahaha... yes! You've made me want one, too!
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.
Your pictures look like they take a lot of time to do, but I suppose that is all relative! 😏. Very adept skills you have anyway, well done! ♥️
Thanks so much! The rats, surprisingly, didn't take as long as I thought they would, maybe two days on and off. I'm a very slow painter in general and even smallish paintings can sometimes take a week.
Wow! That's patience & dedication!! 😄
As in, they are done very well.
Pot-ta-toes. 😂😂
Our favourite food these days in spite of trying to be low carb. Thanks for the laugh! Your paintings are lovely.
You're welcome! I paint duds quite often but this one was too funny not to share. Thanks so much!
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.