D. Cheifetz Newsletter | 4.14.19 | Raven Part 1
Sent: 4/14/2019 11:21:52 AM

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Dear Subscribers,

Greetings!

New painting on the easel. Here are the beginning stages.

First stage. I have a composition and general pose in mind, but the trick is finding the right reference. My strategy is to collect a bunch of references in order to get familiar with the defining characteristics of a raven. Then I choose one primary photo reference for the raven's overall pose which is similar to what I was hoping for.

This is a 16x20 inch panel (Ampersand Gessobord). I begin blocking in the raven with umber. The first attempt is too small, so I rub it out (you can see the leftover smear below), and begin again, scaling up slightly:

Next stage. My primary reference has the beak closed, but I want it open, so I look to several other references and start to construct an open beak at the correct angle:

Next stage. I deviate from my reference a bit, slightly tipping the flight angle and exaggerating some of the relative proportions between feet, head, wings, and tail.

Next stage. Satisfied with the pose and proportions, I switch to using a Holbein knife (1066s no. 303), and go straight in with full color. Cadmium red, alizarin crimson, a little ivory black.

Next. I realize that the head is too fat in this stage below. It looks too "eagle-y". So I start fixing it after this. I'm isolating that focal red by surrounding with cool blue. White with phthalo blue and a little ivory black to keep the saturation under control.

Next stage. I shave down the top and bottom of the head. Blues and black in the body.

Next stage. I shave down the head a little more--it starts to look more like a raven. Now that the entire panel is covered, I'm getting a better sense of how the colors and values are working.

This is just the beginning. TO BE CONTINUED.........

I'm going to try and shoot these newsletters out more often, perhaps even eventually back to a set weekly (or biweekly) schedule that I used to have. I think the trick is breaking out my process into manageable bite sized chunks. We'll see :).

Scholarships Available!

STILL LIFE COMPOSITION & PAINTING WORKSHOP

May 3-5

$525

Scottsdale, Arizona

There are a few spots left. Scottsdale Artists' School informed me that they offer scholarships for workshops based on financial need and merit. So cool! So if you were hoping to attend in May but lack the funds, fill out their scholarship application.

SAS Scholarship Application

Details & Registration

Thank you for reading! Until next time, best wishes. -David

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