Elephant

One of my oldest and dearest friends has asked me to draw an elephant for her (and by "old" I mean I've know her a long time, not that she herself is elderly).  She gave me free rein as far as size, color, perspective, etc.  Just an elephant. 

I feel like I do my best work when I've been commissioned to do something, rather than just for myself.  It usually challenges me more and I want it to turn out awesome.  So here are some process pics (which you've seen if you follow me on instagram/facebook)...

So that is where I am so far (click on the thumbnails to few the picture, if you didn't catch that).  All I have left is to think about the background.  I'm thinking maybe a softer version of one of the colors, perhaps purple.  Or even gray.  Hopefully I'll have time to experiment some today.  I'm really pleased with it though and have had fun painting.  Usually I just use pen/sharpie, I had never been this itty-bitty and detailed with  watercolor before.  I was inspired to do so by Jess Polanshek,  an artist I follow on instragram.

Quilted Comrades by Jess Polanshek

She does all this beautiful detail in watercolor, which inspired me to want to as well.

Love it.