Charcoal Preliminary

I worked a few weeks creating the charcoal preliminary. I had a real great time doing this picture.

 I did a lot of research on frogs and my daughter posed as the fairy.

I sketched outside quite a bit to get a feel for the landscape and to warm up. I decided to do the scene at night lit by the moon. I don’t know if its that successful.. let me know. 

I will have to say that James Gurney’s blog  discussions about moonlight and painting in general have helped inspire and inform me these past few weeks. If you don’t know about this incredible resource for artists, please check it out at Gurney Journey.

The Fairy’s Demise 22” X 28”