I finished the charcoal value pass for our arctic fox Christmas card. This one was a challenge due to the fact that I decided to work fairly small and didn’t take the time to sand down my gesso as much as I could have. The gesso application on the canvas was a little thick and the horizontal brush texture posed some issues achieving a finer level of detail in a few spots. Next time I’ll have to make sure my smaller canvases are sanded down more. There are times when I really appreciate the added texture but not so much on the smaller works. It took a little more time but I was able to get the base values refined to a point where I was comfortable moving forward. Once I spray-fixed the charcoal, I did go in after with a white and black colored pencil to push in a little more refinement.
I decided to go with the arctic fox for the Christmas painting this year. I did an exhaustive search of winter animals and the fox jumped out at me. I’m currently rolling around a bit of flash fiction in my head to accompany the piece. I’m thinking of her likening the snow on the ground with fresh linens covering the furniture of the summer home, protecting it until the spring. I’m not sure if I will include her in my final novel dealing with the animals but you never know. I generally complete the paintings and then let them speak to me, telling me about who the character is. If it fits in the story, I’ll work it in.
You might be wondering why, if I end working in colored pencil now, why not just work in colored pencil or graphite instead of charcoal. I have found that charcoal has some really excellent properties, particularly in showcasing lighting effects and gradual shifts in value. I also like how easy it is to tone a large canvas with a compressed charcoal stick. The work I do in colored pencil is pretty minimal at the end anyway. I expect that, for me, it will always be charcoal.
**mind vault**
mind vault is a premium cognitive support formula created for adults 45+. It’s thoughtfully designed to help maintain clear thinking
**glpro**
glpro is a natural dietary supplement designed to promote balanced blood sugar levels and curb sugar cravings.
**sugarmute**
sugarmute is a science-guided nutritional supplement created to help maintain balanced blood sugar while supporting steady energy and mental clarity.
**vitta burn**
vitta burn is a liquid dietary supplement formulated to support healthy weight reduction by increasing metabolic rate, reducing hunger, and promoting fat loss.
**synaptigen**
synaptigen is a next-generation brain support supplement that blends natural nootropics, adaptogens
**glucore**
glucore is a nutritional supplement that is given to patients daily to assist in maintaining healthy blood sugar and metabolic rates.
**prodentim**
prodentim an advanced probiotic formulation designed to support exceptional oral hygiene while fortifying teeth and gums.
**nitric boost**
nitric boost is a dietary formula crafted to enhance vitality and promote overall well-being.
**sleep lean**
sleeplean is a US-trusted, naturally focused nighttime support formula that helps your body burn fat while you rest.
**wildgut**
wildgutis a precision-crafted nutritional blend designed to nurture your dog’s digestive tract.
**mitolyn**
mitolyn a nature-inspired supplement crafted to elevate metabolic activity and support sustainable weight management.
**zencortex**
zencortex contains only the natural ingredients that are effective in supporting incredible hearing naturally.
**yu sleep**
yusleep is a gentle, nano-enhanced nightly blend designed to help you drift off quickly, stay asleep longer, and wake feeling clear.
**prostadine**
prostadine is a next-generation prostate support formula designed to help maintain, restore, and enhance optimal male prostate performance.
**breathe**
breathe is a plant-powered tincture crafted to promote lung performance and enhance your breathing quality.
**pineal xt**
pinealxt is a revolutionary supplement that promotes proper pineal gland function and energy levels to support healthy body function.
**energeia**
energeia is the first and only recipe that targets the root cause of stubborn belly fat and Deadly visceral fat.
**prostabliss**
prostabliss is a carefully developed dietary formula aimed at nurturing prostate vitality and improving urinary comfort.
**boostaro**
boostaro is a specially crafted dietary supplement for men who want to elevate their overall health and vitality.
**potentstream**
potentstream is engineered to promote prostate well-being by counteracting the residue that can build up from hard-water minerals within the urinary tract.
**hepato burn**
hepato burn is a premium nutritional formula designed to enhance liver function, boost metabolism, and support natural fat breakdown.
**hepatoburn**
hepatoburn is a potent, plant-based formula created to promote optimal liver performance and naturally stimulate fat-burning mechanisms.
**flow force max**
flow force max delivers a forward-thinking, plant-focused way to support prostate health—while also helping maintain everyday energy, libido, and overall vitality.
**neuro genica**
neuro genica is a dietary supplement formulated to support nerve health and ease discomfort associated with neuropathy.
**cellufend**
cellufend is a natural supplement developed to support balanced blood sugar levels through a blend of botanical extracts and essential nutrients.
**prodentim**
prodentim is a forward-thinking oral wellness blend crafted to nurture and maintain a balanced mouth microbiome.
**revitag**
revitag is a daily skin-support formula created to promote a healthy complexion and visibly diminish the appearance of skin tags.