Bunny Bolt

Bunny Study, 8 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold-pressed paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.
Bunny Study, 8 x 8 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold-pressed paper. © 2020 Sheila Delgado.

You knew I would paint him sooner or later. When I worked up the courage.

Calling this a study, as I feel I learned a lot in the process. I am going to paint him again. It was fun. I lightened the image I used as a reference after I did the painting. So you would be better able to see details. He appeared much darker before.

I botched one of the ears. And I edited the lighter ear areas digitally, as they looked much lighter in the scan. But, not thinking, I should have gone back in and darkened the outer edges more. My values are muddled a bit as well. But I am really happy with how he turned out!

Bunny on the run. SMD
Bunny on the run. SMD

Finally did the color chart for my larger palette. This small task was very meditative.
I have three colors on the lid. (center top row)
Not so clean after today’s painting. Haha.

Color Chart
Color Chart.

After many months, I finally finished painting this small table. My plan was to do a wood grain effect, to compliment my bed. But the raised panels would have required extra prep work. I applied the base coat and then put it off.

I wasn’t sure which direction to go next. When I bought it, it was a distressed, rustic white. It was a perfect size and a bargain. And I knew I could easily change the finish. I had an abundance of this blue, more indigo than a royal. And in a fit of wanting to get it done, that is what I went with.

I can always paint it again if I change my mind.

Three layers of paint. Two of a satin varnish that turned out to be much too glossy. And an additional layer of matte varnish to fix that mistake. Thankfully, I was chatting online with Sea Dean. I was bummed about the finish and decided to ask her opinion. I knew she would have some helpful suggestions. While we talked about the options, I remembered I had the varnish I used on the legs to my desk. Well, If I could find it. Haha. Being organized doesn’t always help when you are forgetful. Hahaha!

Blessedly, thankfully, after a few minutes’ search, I had my hands on it. Yes!!

THANK YOU, Sea!!!

I painted the “antique brass” handles a crisp metallic silver. And then aged them a bit with a watered layer of brown craft paint. Sealed them with the matte as well. Three full days of painting. Whew! And WOO WHOO! Laughing here. The table is only about a foot by two feet. I am so pleased with how it turned out. All of this with what I had on hand.

Side Table Refinished.
Side Table Refinished.
Satin is too glossy.
Satin is too glossy.

I am not sure if you can really see the difference, but the glossy is above, and the matte is below. I highly recommend this product. It is creamy and easy to apply. It dries quickly as well. It feels wonderful to the touch.

Soft Sheen.
Soft Sheen.
Waverly Matte Varnish
Waverly Matte Varnish

Stay strong, stay safe.
Hugs & prayers. 🙏 

I am happy to be alive, as long as I can paint.
Frida Kahlo

Don’t be an art critic. Paint. There lies salvation.
Paul Cezanne

14 thoughts on “Bunny Bolt

    1. Sheila Post author

      Oh Lordy! You are one woman who deserves to feel lazy, Chandra. You probably don’t get enough lazy days with your schedule 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply
        1. Sheila Post author

          And to your family as well dear Chandra.
          God Bless and keep you all in his loving embrace.
          xoxox

          Reply
  1. untangledkat

    Ps again… I used to know but have forgotten. When making your color chart, how do you get the light and dark versions? I feel foolish in having to ask!

    Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      No worries my friend. I just used more color on the top. You can use larger squares so you can see how the color fades from dark to light as you add more water. I wanted it to fit in the palette, so I made it smaller. But that is all it is. More pigment at the top, and more water at the bottom. 🙂

      Reply
  2. untangledkat

    I’m having a happy dance party here!! The website let me LIKE it! First time in at least a year or more! WoooHoooo!
    Ahem. *Regaining composure*
    I love the bunny! Beautiful! I’ve taken several bunny photos if you’d like more to paint. Just let me know. (I love bunnies, what can I say?)
    I used to love refinishing or painting tables and other furniture. I love yours! And the silver handles are a beautiful choice. Do you ever want to seal your art? I want to seal my small drawings on tiles and wondered if you have a suggestion.
    Love as ever and always,
    Kat
    PS how many cases in your city?

    Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      Aww, thanks Kat! So glad you love him! Sure! send me your photos. I have some I still need to paint, of the two bunnies kissing… I will repost when I paint them. I will email you a reply about the rest, too much to fit here.
      Love to you both, stay safe!

      Reply
  3. Laurelle

    Wonderful bunny “portrait”! You captured his energy and feeling of soon movement. Love the blue furniture. Of course you know I would choose that color myself;). Hope you are doing great. Big hug!

    Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      Haha, I thought of you while I was painting Laurelle. Bllluuueee :o)
      So glad you like the bunny. 🙂
      I hope you all are staying safe. We just had a huge spike here. A girls school just up the road from us.
      But we are all well at home.
      Hugs and prayers Laurelle! Fingers and toes crossed too!!

      Reply
    1. Sheila Post author

      That works too Dotty, LOL 🙂 Thanks for visiting! When I started painting, the Road Runner theme came to mind. “Road Runner, if he catches you you’re through.” LOL 🙂 Have fun with your big messy canvas Dotty!

      Reply

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