My latest painting is a hartebeest, one of my favourite antelope.
I wanted to create a more texturised effect with the horns and some of the fur so I did some research and came up with a plaster of paris mix that worked very well.
The horns needed distinct ridges so I used a mix of 2 Tbsps of plaster of paris, 1 Tbsp of white paint and 1 Tbsp of vinyl glue to create a thick white paint. I added a dab of other colours to this mix as required.
This is the effect:
Picture caption: horn of the hartebeest showing texturing
Picture caption: tip of the horn of the hartebeest showing texturing
Picture caption: This is the completed pair of horns
Next I moved on to the ear as I wanted to see how that would turn out with the new method. I didn’t need such a thick paste as the hairs are delicate so I reduced the plaster of paris to 1 Tbsp. As I work, I add a bit of water to keep it at the right consistency as it starts to dry.
Picture caption: This is the painted ear
As I mentioned, I had a bit of a disaster with this picture as I drew the face to short. Hartebeest have a very long face, its their defining feature. I drew the face to short and only realised when I’d painted it. I had to white wash a section and redraw it.
Picture caption: this is my drawing, the face should have ended one block down and been much longer.
This is the white washed painting before I redrew the face. I’ve included this to show that everyone makes mistakes and its usually with the drawing. I would have ditched this painting but Michael told me off and gave me my own advice. You must find another way to finish if your first attempt went wrong. Funny to hear your own advice coming out of your son’s mouth. I took it because I was to ashamed not too.
This is the final painting. I used my usual method of painting the background in colours and then washing it over with a white metallic paint to give it the muted distant look and feel.
Picture caption: The final painting
Video of the final painting
Oh I love it Robbie, and the message of making mistakes, it’s all about how we recover isn’t it… 💞
Exactly, I have to make a recovery with everything I do 😂
Me too 😂💞
That is really interesting about the texturing. Wonderful story and painting.
Hi Craig, I’m glad this interested you. I always like experimenting.
Thanks for showing us the process, which makes it all the more interesting. The end result is excellent! Shared on Twitter, Robbie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Hi Pete, I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your process Robbie. Very creative to use plaster for texture. I’m amazed at all your creative pursuits.
Hi Brad, I used to work a lot with plaster of paris when I was young. My dad showed me how to use it to make landscapes with mountains. I do enjoy a challenge.
This turned out very well in the end. I love it when our kids give us the same advice we have given them.
Thank you, Darlene. I did like this in the end. It is funny when our kids turn into the adults.
I know very well of hearing your own advise from your children, Robbie! The finished hartebeest looks great. I watched some YouTube using wall putting for texture also.
Hi Miriam, thanks for visiting. I am using acrylic texture paste for my new painting. It’s an ocean scene with white cliffs.
Fabulous work, Robbie. I love your artwork! 💜
Thank you, Colleen 🌈🩵
I enjoyed seeing your progression of the painting. Very nice work!
Thanks, Dwight. I appreciate your comment 🤗💚
You are welcome, Robbie.
It all came together beautifully. I really enjoy it when our children pass back the same wisdom we once shared with them. It’s wonderful when things conclude so nicely. I cherish those moments when our kids echo the advice we’ve given them.
Thank you 🦋🩵. It is gratifying to know our kids actually listen sometimes.
Ah the joys of painting for the maker and the viewer. Such is art.
Absolutely. Thanks, Goff 💜
What a fantastic painting, Robbie. I was really interested to hear about the process you used and your unique and creative technique. I’m pleased that Michael has learned well from you and encourages you to ‘follow your own rules’.
Hi Norah, Michael has taken to giving me advice like this about art. I sometimes get despondent with a piece. I’m so pleased to see you. I miss your presence in Blogland 💜
Phenomenal!
Thank you 💫
Lovely to see the progress, the experiments, the sons advuce, the correction and final piece. And if you hadnt mention the error we would not know. And well done for correcting it.
You are amazingly talent Robbie. Do paint in class with Michael or at home?
Hi Bella, it’s nice to see you. I always have to make corrections with my art. It is part of the process. That correction was bigger than usual though 😀. I mainly paint at home on my own. Michael and I attend an art class once a week on a Saturday. Michael enjoys the social side of the class. It motivates him.
Wonderful
Stunning Robbie 💕
Thank you, Maggie
My pleasure Robbie.
Fabulous Robbie. I’m always learning and I love the Plaster of Paris technique, thank you!
Acrylics?
Beautiful painting!
Yes, acrylics, my preferred medium 💓. I am now experimenting with acrylic texture paint. I created a different outcome.
Very nice…totally intriguing. xx
It’s interesting to see all the stages Robbie. Thanks for the glimpse into your process. I didn’t realize you had this blog. A new treat. Hugs.
Hi Teagan, thanks for visiting. This blog is only for art and the posts are only when I finish a new artwork or share Michael’s progress.
Best wishes with this blog. 👩🎨