Step-by-Step Painting: The Fantastic Mr. Fox's Felicity Fox, Part Two

Please refer to Part One (click here) for the first few steps of this painting, a portrait of Felicity Fox from the Wes Anderson film The Fantastic Mr. Fox. At this point, the background has been completed, and it is time to start work on the figure.

4. "Laying in" Color:

This is also referred to as "blocking in" color, or simply "blocking". The predominant color of each area, preferably in a mid-tone shade to which darker and lighter tones will be added, is painted onto each area. This basically blocks out each area's distinctive coloration for further development. Since acrylics dry very quickly, by the time you have a few areas blocked in, your first area should be dry and ready for further development, should you wish to work straight through.

5. Modelling:

Building up lights and darks to create a sense of three--dimensional form is referred to as "modelling" the figure. Note how the buildup of the paint in layers makes a three-dimensional effect, creating a sense of depth by using contrast to highlight the planes of the figure. At this point, colors must be more accurately mixed to create the desired tonal range and correct hues.

6. Refining the details:

The last few grace notes of the painting, from making sure the likeness is tweaked to perfection to fun stuff like adding highlights to the eyes to give them a sparkle. Note Felicity's brooch (click on any picture to view larger). The finishing touch is, of course, the artist's signature!

Thanks so much for coming along with me on this little journey of creating a fun painting like Felicity Fox's portrait. If you are in the Greensboro area, please feel free to come to the WesFest show on Saturday, September 12th!

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Step-by-Step Painting: The Fantastic Mr. Fox's Felicity Fox, Part One

Howdy, folks! My most recently finished project is a portrait of Felicity Fox, also known as Mrs. Fox from the wonderful animated film The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Felicity's character is voiced by Meryl Streep. I painted this piece as my entry in a local art show at Geeksboro Coffeehouse Cinema, which is hosting "WesFest", featuring the films of director Wes Anderson and a gallery showing of artwork inspired by those films. As a portrait artist, I figured the obvious choice was a portrait, so here is Felicity, step by step:

1. The reference:

I found this cute still of Felicity, which was different from the typical shot of her on the posters or in the doorway, fussing at the boys. Her expression is so sweet and open, and it's a great, detailed head-and-shoulders composition, perfect for a portrait!

2. The sketch: 

I wasn't interested in a slavish reproduction of the still, so I eliminated the apple juice box and the background, concentrating on the figure. I sketch directly on the canvas with a pastel. I never use charcoal or black pastel unless I am actually working in black and white, because the pigment does get picked up and mixes in with the paint a bit. To cut down on this, I smudge the sketch with a paintbrush, but I also choose a color that coordinates with and unifies the work. In this case, the obvious choice was a foxy brown. 

3. The background: 

I always start with the background, as I work in acrylic, an opaque medium. That way I just add layers, and I don't have to worry about trying to paint around things, just over them. It can create a nice dimensional effect, as well. Since this is a fantasy subject, I chose to make the background colorful and playful. I laid in a gradation of pink, light green and medium green, and then went into those colors to spatter the pink with dark rose, the light green with the same medium green, and the medium green with a darker green. A lot of spatter got on Felicity, but all can be painted over, so no worries. Please join me for Part Two (click here) to see how it all turned out! 

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