I just finished a series of 8" x 8" paintings  - Scotsdale Farm: Snow & Shadows. I needed to stretch my wings after painting so small.

A larger than life portrait painting of a Maine Coon cat in silver, black, and white oil stick and oils seemed the natural next step.

What I have done so far -

• It is the first time I have used Tri-Art "sludge". I used it to cover the white canvas and add some texture.
• After applying the sludge, I saw a large cat eye, ear &  head looking right in the swirls of the paint.
• Decided to go with my instincts. Found a photo of my silver tabby  Main Coon cat to use roughly as a reference.
• &  voila ... the painting begins. The face emerges some more out of the darkness.