Meet Isabell
Isabell
Work In Progress
Oil Pastel on Museum Board
So I started a completely different cow painting than the one I had already drawn out. I still plan on doing ‘Til the Cows Come Home but since it has been many weeks since I’ve worked on any artwork. I thought it best to start with something easy, like a portrait. Once I finish up Isabell, I’ll take on the challenge of the other piece.
Why is ‘Til The Cows Come Home more difficult? Well it is a smaller format so the details are more challenging and have to be more precise to convey the story. Plus black is always a bit of a bugger for me. Which brings me back to Isabell.
Small Changes
Clearly she is all black and I pondered doing her that way. But as I said I’m all about the color lately and all black is far more difficult to keep interesting, So I’ve decided to change her up a bit. (she’s just a little off from being a black cow.) Also, currently she is has a white blaze like a “baldie.” That will probably change as it seems a little distracting. I’ve already begun encroaching into what should be white. Not sure what the center line will wind up. I’m loving the hot pink/orange combo I got going in places though.
What I love about “Izzy” is her expression and her wild hair-do. (Oh, and also the fact that she has a name and not a number on her ear tag. For some reason I perceive named livestock as more loved, than numbered ones.) This photo was taken of a small local herd in early spring. So she still has much of her wild and woolly winter coat. She is also very pregnant and I think that may have something to do with her expression.
I opted to leave off the dandelion for fear it would get too cutesy looking, especially with all the wacky hair. (Kinda tempted to put a little grass or something sticking out though.) We’ll see.
Note: Before anyone flames me for saying portraits are easy, please realize, I mean a head shot. But when I typed in “head shot” it looked weird. Lord knows there is nothing more difficult (in my opinion) than doing a portrait that has to look like the the sitter. Notice Isabell here, isn’t even close to resembling her inspiration.
I wouldn’t dream of flaming you!
I think it’s amazing how you can take a photo and completely change the colours like that. I suppose it’s more about using the photo as a guide rather than completely copying it in a case like that? It’s very creative 
I prefer your Isabell - in the photo she looks like a right miserable old cow! 
You know Undaunted, I think “a right miserable old cow” sums up my estimation of her as well. Would also have made a great title.
I followed the photo closely for the drawing bit, but then don’t much look at it (or the dozen or so others laying on my table) while creating. I had to keep reminding myself to look at the pics every time I got stuck on which way the hair should fall.
Truth is I’m just goofing off.
If I ruin her oh well, I had fun while it lasted.