Concentration – Cougar, 12 in x 15 in, ©Rebecca Latham, watercolor on board
A few weeks ago, someone asked a question concerning larger sized paintings.
What is the largest size you would attempt to do when adding so much detail?
The answer, simply be due to physical limitations, would be a maximum size of 30 in x 40 in. The main reason being because that is the largest that I can order a board without custom request to the company.
I could go larger. I presume I would only be limited by the machines’ sizes that make various brands of hotpress boards or papers. However, it is very time consuming and labor intensive working large being that I strive to retain the usual level of intricate brush work no matter what the size of the piece. Likewise, it also carries with it a great sense of accomplishment when it is finished.
I find the entire process to be a bit of a challenge.. because not only does one have to paint the intricacies of the animal, habitat, etc on a large surface area in fine detail while making sure all of it comes out evenly, which can be a more complex and difficult issue the larger a painting is (both physically and visually). But also, of course, the painting must carry and have impact from across a room.
These larger works are a bit more difficult than small paintings for those reasons..
I just love the intense eye for detail and yet the landscape and surroundings have just enough to support the image. Beyond the
simple accuracy of your subject, a feat in itself, you have captured not just an animal but a moment in an animals world. Just for a moment when I look at your paintings, there is a pause as you captured that moment. Your work is simply amazing and everything a wildlife painting should be.
Dear Rebecca,
Would it not be heavy to frame a large painting under glass?
I’m gazing at your painting. So real, almost moving towards me..I love it.
It probably would be a bit heavy, though I have seen some large works by my instructors under glass. ..so it’s still possible. I don’t use glass in most cases, so it eliminates that issue.