I got back to painting and this is the result of my weekend.  I basically finished this in one day, but immediately started a larger painting so did not take the time to stop the flow and take pics to post.  Larger painting is coming along nicely, cannot wait to see it finished.  I'm trying different techniques and tools to see what fits my me best and find a "style" of painting.  I also have some more colored pencils in the beginning stages so stay tuned for those!!

I tried to post this last night, but things didn't go my way so here I am attempting again.  This is a companion piece to the Baby Ed drawing a few weeks ago.  I'm not sure this is a mother, but it is definitely an adult elephant.  Less brown "fur" than Baby Ed and more wrinkles!  Was very fun to do.  I am hoping to spend time in the studio today, painting.  I have an "urge" to do more oils - and I have to work while the mood is there!  Hope to have more to post soon....

This piece was completed for a charity polo event auction.  As you can tell, it is a variation of my "standard" detail oriented pieces.  I really admire impressionistic art and thought I would attempt a piece.  I am very happy with the way some of it turned out and learned alot about the parts I'm not as happy with.  I hope someone likes it enough to bid - but regardless I'm glad I attempted this and will incorporate techniques into other paintings in the future.

Baby Ed is my next zoo animal in a series.  I enjoyed the fact that he was not just "gray" but baby elephants have alot of brown in the skin.  I have another reference photo of an adult elephant (I think his mother) that I will be doing as well.  The small size and colored pencil medium make this a great "take along" project for when we travel or am waiting for kids to finish a practice.