I began this painting with the idea of trying something new. Animals are not something that I have not explored much before, but the thought of painting a sweet little hare was enticing.
I use a mixture of acrylic paint and colored pencil in my paintings. I started by shading with my pencils on the canvas and then adding a layer of paint on top of the pencils. I continue the layering process with the pencils and paint until I get the results that I want.
I discovered that the colored pencils are the perfect medium for capturing the texture of fur and whiskers, etc. which means my medium works perfectly with animals! I can also achieve the glassiness of an eye with my paints and pencils. The eyes seem to be the features that really brings the animals to life!
After I drew the hare, I naturally surrounded him or her in a circular frame which I usually incorporate into my work. I sensed a look of alarm on the hare's face which is why I added a predator... the fox. He is interacting with the hare, yet he is still separated from him. He is protected from his environment inside the circle.
I just loved painting the orange tones in the fox and I just knew that a blue background would be the perfect compliment to his fur.
I used a photo I took from time spent in Wales as inspiration for the wooded background. I also added a sprinkle of gold speckles around him to create some movement and give the impression of fireflies, or fairies, or whatever you want them to be. The pattern in the background brings more movement into the painting and cause the viewer to keep their eyes moving around the painting. The pattern also adds to the story being told. If you notice, there are hare silhouettes running away amongst the pattern which could be an omen of what is to come...
The Fox and the Hare, 20X30 inches
Above is a picture of me with the painting right before I packaged it up and shipped it to its new owner. I literally sold it to someone as I was putting the finishing touches on it which was so exciting! Someone reached out to me because she had seen my posts on social media of my progress shots and she was drawn to the painting for a couple of reasons. 1. she collects rabbits, and 2. Her maiden name was "Fox"! How perfect is that!!
I never know how people will connect with my art which really shows me that I need to keep being true to myself, because there will be someone out there that may connect for reasons I would never think of. Here is a photo of the painting in its new home and it looks like it was meant to live there! It brings me so much joy when I see my art in other people's homes and is truly the best part of my job!!
I am going to continue to try painting more animals and explore this idea of animals and their prey and hopefully build a collection. Stay tuned! For daily updates on my process, etc. make sure you follow me on Instagram and Facebook @taradeetscreek_artist so you won't miss a beat!
