Tuesday, June 8, 2010

The Lion of Judah - Original Pastel


The Lion of Judah
8" x 10" (20.4cm x 25.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$250 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.
I started this pastel the other night and almost didn't finish it because it was in that really ugly stage.  Since it has been a while since I've done any painting it is always a little discouraging when it gets to that ugly stage.  You may know how that is.  I was second guessing myself and really didn't think it would turn out very well.  But tonight I really felt I should try to finish it. So when I started on it again I totally forgot I was going to try to scan it as I was working on it and just started in on it again.  Sorry. You should have seen it before I started tonight though - really ugly - but since I forgot these will just have to do. 

I am so glad I didn't throw this one away because I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.  I tried not to go overboard with the details and to use broader strokes - I'm trying to loosen up some - and that is hard for me to do.  It is a tad lighter in real life - at least comparing it on my computer screen to the original  so I hope it shows up OK on yours.


Revelation 5:5 (New International Version)
5Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals."

15 comments:

dominique eichi said...

Just Fabulous !
I'm so glad you forged ahead regardless of what you where seeing at that stage. So many of us stop at that point. Thank you for the example.
It is a delight for us to see the stunning final work when we persevere.
Well done good and faithful one.

(btw- my word verification is "surenes")

Alycia Morales said...

Karen,
He is absolutely majestic! What a wonderful piece! I so admire your work!

Karen Hargett said...

Dominique - thanks so much! I'm glad I stuck with this one because I really like it ;-)

That was funny about your word verification - it fit.

Thank you Alycia. I'm so glad you dropped in and said hellow. Thanks again.

Rae Andrews, Contemporary Texas Artist in all media said...

Good job Karen, you truly captured the wonderful presence of this animal. I too am working on velour now, it's a challenge thouggh, I see you have mastered it. Hope I get to that stage.
Rae

Karen Hargett said...

Thanks Rae. I think once you get the hang of working on velour you will love it. I don't use anything else - I other papers difficult and messy. Funny what we get used to.

Carolina said...

Hi Karen,
It's wonderful! Thank you for showing us the other phtos of your process, that's very interesting.
Hugs,
Carolina

Barbara Pask said...

Hi karen, A truly gorgeous painting. So glad you didn't give up on it while in that ugly stage, they all go through it don't they? Such wonderful colors

Karen Hargett said...

Hey Carolina - thank you! I really wanted to include more of the process and can't believe I forgot to take more pictures. Maybe next time ;-)

Hi Barb - thanks. I'm glad too that I didn't give up. It always amazes me how ugly some of the stages of a painting can be - but you're right they all do it. Thanks again.

artbyakiko said...

He turned out GREAT! Lions are difficult to paint because they don't have distinct markings like tigers and leopards. You've done a great job.

Helen Read said...

Oh Karen, this is stunning!

Karen Hargett said...

artbyakiko - thank you so much - your kind words mean a lot to me - I so admire your work.

Thanks Helen - I really appreciate it!

Butterfly Works said...

Your blog is so inspiring and your work is beautiful...I especially like "riding on the cloud" since I am a horselover.....
It's always good to visit a fellow sister in Christ.

Karen Hargett said...

So nice to see you visit Butterly Works and thank you so much - your encouraging words are so appreciated!

Dean H. said...

You deserve to be very pleased with this one, Karen! You really caught his majestic look. Excellent++++!

The ugly stages in art are similar to ugly stages in life...simply have the courage to work through them...there's often something wonderful waiting at the other end of the journey.

Unknown said...

Beautifully done Karen, I love the colours and well done on the hair, really nice pose.