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INTRODUCTION

SUSIE WYNNE

Photo: Gray Levett

My interest in drawing and painting began at the early age of around five years old and by the time I had reached nine or ten I spent a lot of my time sketching – mainly horses and dogs. Later I was formally trained in classical piano and voice, but I did not pursue these musical activities with the passion for painting and drawing that seems to have come to me over the years.

This interest in animals sprang up again as an adult when I was inspired to write some short stories for children. I soon took out my sketchpad and created the characters, and found that extremely entertaining and fulfilling. However, I became so involved with the drawing aspect that it became all-consuming. So I decided to take a temporary break from story writing and before long I was painting and drawing during all my spare time. Commissions started coming my way and I found that there is nothing quite so satisfying as to deliver a completed picture of a beloved pet and see the reaction of the owner to one’s efforts with the paintbrush!

COGNAC

watercolour pencil

Cognac is a rather elegant Basset Fauve de Bretagne. I find drawing close-up pet studies such as these very pleasing, producing an effect that can look quite dramatic. I enjoy working with watercolour pencil for this kind of detailed work, which is a very different style from my watercolour paintings.

RAMBO’S EYES

watercolour pencil

Cats’ eyes are unique in their beauty and drawing them provides an excellent exercise in getting to know the shape and general nature of a cat’s facial features. The intense yellow-green of Rambo’s eyes is emphasized by the soft texture of the surrounding fur built up in layers with pencils.

PRACTISE YOUR DRAWING

In continuing my drawing and painting I have developed my skills to a standard I did not dream I could reach at the outset. I think the advice I would give to a beginner is to establish your drawing skills well first of all before coping with how to paint. I knew a professional artist in the USA who had a good career as a painter of oils, but, after seeing my work, he told me he was going to attend drawing classes again. I was not only extremely flattered, but very relieved that I had kept my drawing skills finely tuned. I have driven myself very hard in order to do so.

So, with this in mind, I have emphasized the importance of drawing and sketching throughout this book and I do hope you will find the examples illustrated helpful and inspirational.

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING

When I first approached painting with watercolour I remember people commenting on how difficult a medium it is to control. Being the sort of person who likes to take on a challenge, however, I decided to launch myself fully into using watercolours. While I found watercolour painting very difficult at first I soon discovered that the way to approach a subject is to try to master just a little at a time. When you feel competent at doing that small amount you can then move on to the next stage. Practice is the key word and is one that I reiterate often: this is the only way to familiarize yourself to the point of being in control of a technique. Even now I find some subjects can be tricky in the extreme, and frustrating to paint, but I always persevere until I am successful.

With watercolour painting you will learn only from experience. Do not worry if you have to waste paper and paint in an effort to achieve a good result. This is all part of the learning process and, while you may want to pull your hair out at times, remember that a worthwhile activity usually requires hard work.

LORD ALFIE

Lord Alfie is a fine aristocratic Norfolk terrier and I have had the great pleasure of painting him in both watercolours and oils. This particular pose of him in watercolours portrays his refined and dignified character well! I used Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna., Raw Umber and Lamp Black for the range of rich colours in his coat.

LEARNING FROM PAINTERS

Another valuable step to take in your progress as a painter is to visit art galleries. Especially look at the work of the Old Masters, who painted with breathtaking expertise. These beautiful works of art are uplifting as well as inspirational.

Drawing and painting is a rewarding occupation that might begin simply as a hobby, but then turn into an all-consuming passion. When this happens I know you will agree that nothing compares with the world of creativity. Enjoy your drawing and painting!

SHERLOCK

watercolour pencil

Watercolour pencils are ideal for fine detailed work. This picture of Sherlock was made using Silver Grey, Blue Grey, Light Pink and Black coloured pencils. Sherlock is a lovely blue-grey lop-eared rabbit, so I used the Blue Grey and Silver Grey pencils alternately, one over the top of the other.

CHIPPY

Chippy, like many Jack Russell terriers, has an ‘over the ramparts’ approach to life and, having spent many enjoyable hours with him, I have found his enthusiasm extremely contagious. I decided to paint him in this pose because his tail is almost like the exclamation mark that characterizes his exuberance. He is a fine example of his breed.