"Golden Tabby" - Oil Study - Medium Test

    I'm proud of this two day study, but it's really hard to capture the effect of it in a photograph.  This study was a test for me to try out a new medium, but I could have also used this for a commission or more finished work.  I also did a small pencil sketch of the pose before working on this.
  I'm really realizing that good preparation and large brushes are the keys to success.  I've always preferred large bristle brushes because it keeps the larger picture in mind.  And even detail work can be achieved with a large brush and a delicate touch.
  I've written a lot about Bouguereau's ebauche technique, but I'll stress again how great it is.  The paint is applied in a rubbing (frottis) fashion and it works very well for a wide variety of subjects.