2-hours studies of each mammal that I use to illustrate the diversity of small mammals we have in the world. It is also my opportunity to explore and discover new lines I can make with my Chinese Calligraphy brushes. (I use them because they are cheap and good in Singapore, but they don't last as long as other quality brushes) 

I painted a dark base of color for the body so I could add a thick white layer ontop to contrast the spots. I tried to work on the head like the style I used for Banded Civet. (below) by outlining the nose and giving it some tonal variation. I used the brush strokes in the directions of the fur.

Working from light to dark layers, I painted the whole animal in light yellow base, beforeadding diluted black ink for midtones and some shadows. Then lastly, I used the Indian Ink for outlines and some mixed with dark browns for the stripes.

I love the bright colors this species has so I tried to keep the colors as pure as I can. (means less mixing of darker colors for flat/ grey tones) You can see white and blacks used for contrast.

I emphasised on the coloring method to create the direction of the hair and forms for this creature. White is used to mix with various colors to create light tones for highlights such as the top areas of the body and tail. When I apply the first layer of color, I made sure the greenish-yellow ares are not overlaying the red-orange areas. This will allow me to keep the color as pure as possible/ makes it easier to mix to get the desired colors I want on the canvas.

Small mammals (order : top to bottom)

1. Dasyurus maculatus (Spotted Quoll)

2. Hemigalus derbyanus (Banded Palm Civet)

3. Petaurista philippensis (Indian Giant Flying Squirrel) 

4. Galidia elegans (Ring-tailed Vontsira)