Demonstration
Rabbit Tracks
 by Dan Meyer

      As with all my work, I begin with several thumbnail sketches. This gives me the layout for the painting and is part of the design process. Once I'm satisfied with the layout, I draw the images full scale.
   The image to the left is a tracing of the most critical elements of the painting. I then number the elements I want to sculpt from the base painting. The numbers indicate which elements will be in the foreground and which will be in mid-ground, with the base painting forming the background.
   The heavy black lines are the outermost edges of the paper from which the individual shapes will be cut. Each piece is then traced onto watercolor paper with the edges either cut or torn to create the individual shapes.
The next step is sculpting, shown in the picture to the right. Each piece is soaked in a water bath until all the fibers are soft and pliable. The piece is then contoured to represent the individual subject. I use rubber bands, paper clips, bottles, jars, etc. to hold the piece in position until it is thoroughly dry.

 

   The sculpted pieces, to the right, are painted at the same time as the main body of the painting shown at the left. This helps to maintain similar color values on the related subjects and brings continuity to the finished sculpture. For example, the color you mix for the snow on the branches on the main painting should also be used on the individual pieces. Unless you mix a large batch of color and store it in an air tight container, it's a gamble to think you'll be able to mix that same value the next time you get back to your painting.

 

I periodically place the pieces
on the base painting to check
value balance.

  

Individual pieces can still be "tweaked" in their shape
to improve how they will lay on the sheet when assembled. It is not necessary to rewet the piece. Minimal bending is enough to do the trick.

 

The final stage is the assembly. Pieces are attached to the main painting in sequence with the last being those that will be foremost in the finished work.

 

Rabbit Tracks
 by Dan Meyer