I am still working on this commissioned piece. An alligator they fondly named "Charlie" comes pretty close to the river camp where the couple goes to fish, boat ride, and just relax.The reference photos they mailed where really light, meaning the sun was super bright, and not clear at all. The water was dull, and everything in the water was pretty much the same values. Thankfully, the lady who commissioned the piece gave me full artistic license to "liven-it-up" a bit. Charlie was on a log, where a large knot in the wood looks like a turtle. I added a couple of small turtles to give him more balance, and a little more conversation. No Louisiana swamp scene should be without Cypress knees, moss hanging from the trees, and a little "scary" looking darkness in the background. I am hoping Charlie will be satisfied that he is the center of attention on an original oil painting by Sandra Cutrer Fine Art!
I would love to paint a commission for you, using your photos. Please contact me at sandrasart777@aol.com, or scroll down for more of my work. You may also visit my web site at: Sandra Cutrer Fine Art, and browse my work for sell.
Blessings,
Sandra Cutrer,Fine Art
sandracutrer.com
A Few FUN FACTS about alligators :
After mating, a female will construct a nest where she will lay up to 50
eggs. The rotting vegetation in the nest keeps the eggs warm and the
temperature of the nest will determine the sex of the hatchlings. If the
eggs are incubated over 93 degrees Fahrenheit (33.8 degrees Celsius),
the embryos will develop into males, while in temperatures below 86
degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) embryos will develop into
females. In temperatures between 86 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit an embryo
could develop into a male or female.
