Sunday 4 January 2015

Time is running away with me

DAY FOUR

'Runner Ducks' - a study

oil on board 

20cm x 20cm

When I'm under pressure and haven't got much time to paint, it kinda puts me in a panic.

What shall I do? what shall I paint? Oh, God, I've just wasted ten minutes dithering!
(Yes, you've guessed it...I hadn't planned today's painting at all.)

I decided to turn to my sketchbook for ideas and inspiration.





I've always found these Indian runner ducks highly comical, especially when they 'run' en masse with their built-in herding instinct.

It never fails to put a smile on my face!

I started sketching them last year but never took the studies any further.





I wanted to get a rough feel for their tightly-packed grouping and the funny way their bodies move in contrast to the upright upper half. 






Today's effort was the most difficult so far, especially as  I was using oil paints my new experimental medium!

In case you've never seen runner ducks run.... here's a link to a video!


bless their little cotton socks.


Runner ducks running video 


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12 comments:

  1. Love them ... they are absolutely precious!!!!

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  2. Just learned about these cool ducks. wow. I have chickens, now maybe I should get some of these cool dudes!

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    1. Just think how much entertain they could provide, too! No doubt they'd brighten up even the dullest, greyest day.

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  3. I loved seeing and reading about your process. You are doing a great job with your new medium, too. Your blog is going to be one of my new favorites, I believe.

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    1. Thanks for your words of encouragement, Meredith. I'm such a novice at oil painting but really lovely their buttery creaminess and washability. I've got the new oils than can be washed in oil and don't need turps so great for me and the environment.

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  4. Didn't know that is what they were called - always fun to watch the videos. Well done, using your sketchbook, is the greatest! I like the way you captured their little bodies in unison!

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    1. I think these ducks are wonderful, too. Very inspiring and when they run about it reminds me of the wacky Races!

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  5. Great first try at these running ducks...love it!

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  6. Love your painting! Thank you posting the video...

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  7. I am enjoying your paintings for the challenge. I love this one and it was great seeing how you worked out the drawing.

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  8. I'm always amazed what artists come up with when they are under pressure. I think this is great. Love the green background.

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