Audra’s Christmas Pony

Hello Friends,

I had a wonderful time working with my student, Audra, this weekend. We worked both Saturday and Sunday morning and were able to finish her Christmas picture.

Yesterday, it was scanned by my staff and already designed into a Christmas card. I will share all of these things with you today.

Jody and Audra in the studio.

After Audra had finished all of the colors in her painting, I introduced her to a new technique. In order to get the fine hairs in a pony’s mane, we mixed up white watercolor and tinted it with the blue she used in the sky and the brown she used in the pony.

Detail of fine brush work.

In order to do these little hairs, you must use a liner brush and in this photograph, Audra is using a number one liner. The opaque watercolor is referred to as gouache (sounds like guh-wash) and allows you to cover over darker shades of paint. This application is especially useful for creating hair effects and details in the eyes.

Audra is experimenting with my jeweler's magnifying glasses.

Audra was especially excited about Sunday’s class. She even got to wear my very stylish magnifying headset. The jeweler’s glasses allow you to see the finest details and put the finishing touches on your painting with confidence.

You can see where Audra received her inspiration.

Check out Audra’s Chihuahua, Roxy, tucked in her coat. Audra was very proud of the painting she finished on Sunday. The pony in the picture is my friend, Shelia’s and his name is Django.

Audra's Christmas Card

Audra’s Christmas painting was given to Tara, in my Art Department, and she designed this darling Christmas card for Audra to send and sell over the Christmas season. Remember, she is only eleven and I think she is very gifted for her age.

We’ll introduce you to her business classes *ha ha* soon.

Best to you,

Love,

Jody

~ by jodybergsma on October 14, 2008.