In 2020, I had the pleasure of creating this commission of black faced sheep for my client. I loved the image she had taken from her farm and I knew it would make a great painting. The configuration of the sheep in a ‘V’ shape made me think they were like a ‘gang’ of sheep. As I painted their characters revealed themselves.
Value layer. First layer.
Value layer close up. You can see the pencil drawing underneath.
Above is what I call the ‘values’ layer. This monochromatic layer is where I focus on the lights and darks of the forms. It is a chance to see if everything is sitting where it should be and that it looks 3D. Any composition changes can be made now before committing to the colour layers.
First Colour Layer.
The first colour layer is simple blocks of colour to make a foundation for the following layers. It is also ideal to paint the sky right across what will become trees in the background.
Trees have been added.
Adding in the faces.
Really coming together.
With the addition of the darks and lights the painting really starts to pop!
Fine grass and sheep details added.
Tags added to the sheep’s ears. This was a very important detail to the client whom breeds these sheep.
The final piece 900x450mm Oil on Canvas.
I always love a challenge and this painting was no exception. I had not painted so many faces into an oil painting before. It was a lot of fun seeing the personalities of each sheep develop.