I began this painting in early January, 2006. After drawing the elk out on paper, I transfered it to canvas.
The first thing to be done is the background, so I have to have an idea in my head of lighting and positioning. Once the back ground is finished I can begin the slow process of bringing life to my main subject. I work in stages, and the first stage here are the antlers...
February 4, 2006 ~~ After viewing the scan of todays work on the computer, I dont think it looks as bad as I originally thought. Though I am still not entirely pleased. The eye needs further detail, and of course it looks a bit odd without the nose and mouth completed. There is a great amount of detail in the nose area, so best left for a night when I have more energy....

February 7, 2006 ~~ Another 6 hours worth of work in, and I am fairly pleased with the results. I think most noticable are the enhancments done to the eye and face. My camera wants to leave a sheen. I will need to play with it some more to try and get rid of that shine.
February 12, 2006 ~~ Got rid of the shine on the camera, but now its a tad blurry...new camera..still figuring it out. Very pleased with tonights work. Still not quite done though, after this dries I will go back one last time and add highlights and shadows. Included a close up shot of the face...
February 15, 2006 ~~ Well here it is, complete and final. I'm glad to have it done, and for once I am actually pleased with my final result. Mostly I just added some high-lights and shadows, cleaned up the back ground a bit and final touch ups.