I started a new acrylic painting project at the beginning of April. I decided to paint the portrait of a Cape Buffalo on a large canvas. Projects of this size take me approximately 3 months to complete. I finished this painting last week so it was on track with my estimated timing.
This painting proved to be a little more difficult and time consuming than my leopard in a tree painting because of the complexity of the background. The leopard had a blurred background and I trailed an experimental method of painting a transparent silvery overcoat to create the blurred effect. This picture had a very detailed background and I wanted to recreate it with as much of the detail as possible.
First, I drew the outline and some details of the picture onto the canvas. I use a grid for sizing and placement.
Next, I started the painting. I must admit, I didn’t realise Cape buffalo were so black until I painted one.
I always start with the head. This surprises my art teacher and son, who both start with the background. I always do the head first as it is the hardest part to get right and if it doesn’t work out I would not continue with the painting. Well, that’s my theory but I’ve never not managed to finish a painting.
I moved on to the body after finishing the head and horns. I used metallic acrylic paint for the horns and the nose to give them a natural shiny look.
I did not finish painting the legs and hooves before starting the background because the legs disappear into the grass.
The background was very detailed and required a large variety of different greens, yellows, browns and cream.
I was happy with the final painting. The two pictures below show the same pictures in two different lights which demonstrate the effect of the metallic paint.
The above picture was taken in softer evening light.
This picture was taken in brighter, morning light.
I wrote a poem to accompany this painting. You can read it as part of Marsha Ingrao’s Poetry Day Story Chat post here: https://alwayswrite.blog/2025/06/24/story-chat-digest-june-poetry-day/
This is an amazing painting, Robbie. I love it.
Thank you, Darlene. I love Cape buffalo. They have such interesting expressions.
The painting is great! I enjoyed the step by step. One thing about doing the background first (which I don’t always do…) is that you can continue the background past the edge of the figure, so when the figure is painted, it is in front of the background. One problem I often have on quick drawings/paintings is that the backgrounds seem to really start away from the figure, which doing the background first solves. It looks like you are super detailed so don’t mind going right to the edge when putting in those background details – seems to work great for you!
Hi Trent, what you have said here is exactly what my art teacher said. He also said that I go right to the edges so it didn’t matter for me. I‘be never considered doing that background first. My teacher only said about it because I joked and asked him how he would start. I started my new picture with the horns and a very interesting medium technique I’ve created 😁💝
Incredible work, Robbie! Love it, and I enjoyed reading about your process too.
Thank you, Lauren. I’m delighted you like this painting 🌺
Wow, Robbie! This is great 🙂
Thank you, Denise 🧡🌈
A great painting that really captures the spiriti of the animal. Shared on Twitter, Robbie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete. I really like these Buffalo 🧡
Very nice work!
This is a wonderful painting Robbie. I also appreciate the few tips I picked up, or that were reinforced.
Your art is fabulous!
Amazing talent and amazing process. It is a beautiful result and wonderful to see it come alive.
Thank you, Thomas. The painting and progress become a bit of an obsession with me. My new painting has a new feature d Ed high I’ll share in due course 😄
A fine portrait – I fully understand your approach
What an awesome painting, Robbie. Thanks for sharing you process with us.
It’s an impressive painting Robbie. I enjoyed reading your process of creation.
Thanks, Susan. These large paintings take a lot of time.
Hope this isn’t a duplicate comment Robbie. It’s a pretty impressive painting. I enjoyed reading your process of creating it.
Thank you, Susan. I have to approve first time comments 😄
Great job!
I’m glad you like it 🌺
I enjoyed learning about the planning and execution. Great results.
Thanks for sharing the process – I could never do any of it, but it’s a fascinating insight! Linda xx
I’m delighted you enjoyed this post 💚
Yay – have a wonderful week(end) xox
The painting is truly striking
Thank you 🙏
What a fabulous painting, Robbie. You really captured the essence of the buffalo in both paint and words (I popped over to Marsha’s to read).
Thank you, Norah. I am so pleased you like them 🌹💝
I’m late to comment on your post, Robbie! You did an incredibale job with this baffalo painting. I can see the deatiled background and all the work involved. Love to read about your step by step process. I read your comment somewhere on Donna’s blog saying you’re home from your trip. 🙂 <3