Making “Elmer” come to life was truly a fun process! As many artists know, one of the most frequently asked questions you hear is “How did you do that?”

Although many who follow my Facebook posts on Turtle Lady Art will be familiar with my posts of work as I go from start to finish, I thought I would post one here. Many artists I know do not like to show their work until it is done, which is fine. To each their own. I am not that shy and there’s no secret involved. It is a process-a creative journey.

Elmer is one of my most popular turtles–almost everyone loves his “attitude”–lol, so enjoy the process of how he came to be…

First an outline of the composition in Red Iron Oxide Oil Paint and then the colors start to show up…

and then more colors-and some shadows start to appear…

And I just keep painting until the whole canvas has at least a base layer of color…a “map” as my amazing art teacher Kelly would tell me…

Although this looks quick and I am simplifying, it takes me many many hours over the course of many days over the course of weeks-sometimes months-to bring an oil painting from start to finish.

 

More building of values and of course, more paint. Lol.

 

Getting down to the details here…lightening the water, adding texture to the skin, life to the eyes. Highlights, glazes and finessing the details. Bringing us to the finished canvas…and introducing “Elmer” to sea turtle and art lovers everywhere. Anyone fortunate enough to spend a day on or in the saltwater knows what a delight it is to spot a turtle! It makes your day!

I hope this was fun and enjoyable for you to take a peek at the process. I certainly enjoyed sharing it with you. Hopefully it might inspire you to pick up a brush and some paint, or even a pencil and paper, or get creative with your computer…It doesn’t matter your subject or medium–just get busy and get creative!