Match Maker - my submission to Laluzapalooza

Title: Match Maker
Size: 6"x9"
Medium: Gouache
Date: November 2011

A falconer with her love-struck kestrels.  Unfortunately it didn't make it into the group show, but here it is for all to enjoy on my blog.

A few people have asked if they hadn't seen this sketch a few years earlier.  This piece was completed around 2011, but never exhibited.

Thumbnail, Drawing and Underpainting

This is the thumbnail, the full drawing and the finished underpainting. The final step is to paint the color on with gouache. Actually, I've already started painting it. It's exciting because I've never used an underpainting before, and according to most painters the underpainting is an important step. For the underpainting I layered washes of india ink. I'm a little worried about the amount of denim clothing I'm gonna have to paint -- they can't all be the same color and shade. That would look lame.

The final, full-color painting will be featured in a Blind Melon fan book. Comments appreciated.