Famous German Zoo Animals (Hall of Fame) -- Matryoshka Dolls ~ Set 5

Here's my 5th set, a tribute to "famous" zoo animals in Germany. ;)

Rough sketches/guidelines:

Blank:

Base coat:

Rough outlines:

Painting in progress (outines and what not):

Varnished (multiple views):

Homemade card:

Personalized message:

 Auf wiedersehen!

Polish (Woodland) Creatures -- Matryoshka Dolls ~ Set 2

This is the 2nd set of Matryoshka dolls that I've painted, but with this set, I added a legend as I felt that it was necessary.

It was a lot of fun painting them because they slowly take on a life of their own and the process is made more special when you're thinking of the person(s) whom you're painting them for. :)

Just like the 1st set, here's the entire process, from start to finish.....

Rough Sketches and Colour Study:

Base coat:

Sketched:

Painting in progress:

Paint and varnish completed:

Side view:

Back view:

Front view:

The Legend:

Personalized message at the bottom:

Getting ready for their journey:

Bon voyage!! :D

Scandinavian Animals at the Fair -- Matryoshka Dolls ~ Set 1

This is the 1st set of Matryoshka dolls that I've painted.  In all honesty, I have not touched a paint brush in 10 or so years and I must confess I have now completely fallen back in love with it.  Most art pieces that I've painted in the past are mostly "functional" vs. canvases, and this is no exception.

I will not take credit for this idea because it was originally inspired by Irina Troitskaya who's work is ever lovely and flawless. 

Lastly, I usually never keep what I paint, so needless to say, this set of sweet-toothed arctic animals are now safe and sound in Umeå, Sverige, keeping a lovely little Prince company throughout the winter months. ;)

Here's the entire process, from start to finish.....

Rough Sketches and Colour Study:

 Here they are unpainted:

Base coat:

Sketched and outlined:

Colouring in each animal:

After varnishing... too bad I over varnished as there are some yellow banding on the Arctic Fox, Snow Owl and Snow Hare...... *sigh*:

Personalized message at the bottom:

Here they are getting ready for their long journey: