Bobcat in the Snow

My paintings are usually based on either photos I’ve taken or ones that family members or friends have sent to me, but the basis for this painting was a photo I saw online. My main reason for choosing it was the challenge presented of painting the snowflakes.

It was suggested I try “flicking” or splattering white paint on top of the finished painting. Practicing that technique on blank paper resulted in a messy and unconvincing result.

Finally, I decided to try using a Q-tip. I found that after dipping the tip of the Q-tip in paint, I could vary the pressure in applying it to the canvas, heavier pressure for larger and closer snowflakes or lighter pressure for smaller and more distant ones. I think it works!