Cheetah! Cheater!


OK. I’ve digitally enhanced the header image. There, I’ve said it. I had to. The eyes didn’t look right otherwise,and they just needed that little bit of an added zing.

The images below are all untouched, as they are on the watercolour paper. This is my next version of an ATC/ACEA, presented for #WorldWatercolorMonth. A baby cheetah, warily watching the outside world. The Sun is setting on our safari now, it seems, and with only three paintings left to be done in this series of nine, I can only wonder which creature we will stumble upon next.

The above photo keeps us up to date with the paintings so far. And, as you can see, the eyes need a little extra work on the cheetah. I always have trouble with eyes.

This second photo is the one I used for the Featured Image, only I didn’t add the little light reflections in the eyes (or colour pop the image, either – I think I prefer them un-colour-popped)

And this final image shows the actual size of all six safari paintings so far (ee – hehehe! A tired old joke now) beside a pen (aptly, a ‘Zebra’ pen!)

Another post for #WorldWatercolorMonth, find more details by clicking the link below:

13 responses to “Cheetah! Cheater!”

  1. bcparkison avatar

    Cheetah’s are beautiful big cats. Your baby is pretty cute too.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thanks, Beverly.

      Like

  2. Susan Feniak avatar

    A very enjoyable safari thus far. Try just a touch of white in the eyes even just a dot while you paint Tom. It brings them to life. 😊🎨

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thanks, Susan. I have a silver marker, and tried that, which seems to have improved things (a little!)

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Soul Gifts avatar
    Soul Gifts

    He looks cross – did you disturb his slumber ?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Quite possibly, Raili – I’d forgotten how much sleep cats like…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Soul Gifts avatar
        Soul Gifts

        They only wake up to stretch, eat, poo and wee – and a bit of play of course 🙂

        Like

  4. thecobweboriumemporium avatar

    Hello Tom.
    Lovely painting. He’s cute.
    But, as you say, you forgot the light in his eyes …
    … a tip….
    buy yourself a white gel pen with a fine nib.
    If you have a Hobbycraft nearby you can get them there for about £1. But they have more expensive ones – choose the one you feel comfortable with
    – but NOT one which says it’s a ‘souffle’ pen. DON’T buy a Souffle Pen!!! (it’s worth saying it twice. . . ) DO NOT BUY A SOUFFLE PEN!
    You’ll find that you can use that white pen for ‘forgot to ___’ things which require it.
    But … there’s nothing like patience, waiting for the black of the eyes to fully dry, before adding that fine little detail of ‘white’, using watercolours. So just because you said ‘finished’ on this little chap … you can still add the light to his eyes days after you’d finished your painting.

    You’re doing so well with these ATC’s. It’s the strangest thing but … I feel so proud of you for the way you just jumped right in and did it. I think you deserve the ‘Bl00dy Brilliant Medal’:- 🥇 . . . Enjoy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      I shall check those pens out, Cobs… there is a Hobbycraft nearby where I buy my stuff.
      And all of my paintings are (ahem) finished and unfinished at the same time. They are painted paradoxes. Parodi.
      Oh, and thank you for the medal. Even though we here at Beyond the Sphere are an Award Free blog, I still like the odd medal every now and again.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. -Eugenia avatar

    A Cheetah with a tude! I think the eyes are interesting the way they are.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Thanks, Eugenia. And night time is falling, so the eyes will be darker anyway!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Diane Henders avatar

    I’m so enjoying your ‘baby’ baby animal series! You have wonderful talent with watercolours – I’m quite envious. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom Merriman avatar

      Oh, thanks, Diane, but I’m really still practicing.
      These little ones are fun to do.

      Liked by 1 person

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