Before the "ova": Keeping a still life still?

[Amazingreys]

Before I start my first project (ova) I have a question.
I understand I am supposed to be working from life and not a photo.
The problem is, I don't have unlimited time to work on my art.
I have 5 dogs and 3 cats in the house (and a mean rabbit but he won't bother it).
My cats are all over everything....how do I keep my "still life" still?
I know they will mess it all up between times I am able to work on it.

Ideas anyone?
(I told you I could fill up this forum :p )

Thanks~

[Dorell]

What about setting it all up on a tray that can be lifted out of the way if the beasts come near. You could store it away easily and always set it down again (in the same place of course, otherwise you light source etc. will be distorted)

Dorell.

[Brenda]

Dogs and kids, husbands and cats, AND don't forget changing light. How do you keep it consistent?? The tray would work for the still life itself but the ever-changing angle of light... now what do you do about that?

Dorell! Great avatar!! Makes me want to wave back at you. :bye1:

[Amazingreys]

The tray would work for the still life itself but the ever-changing angle of light... now what do you do about that?

Yes.......what do you do about that! :angel:

[Gemma]

Ummmm.... I guess what I would do in this situation is a couple of things. First, I would create my own light (maybe spot lights on a subject in a darkened room). Second, I would always try to draw at the sametime of the day in the same place (this can be harder to do, with family and all).

Gemma

Yes.......what do you do about that! :angel:

[Amazingreys]

I'll guess I'll just do the best I can! I do most of my drawing between 11pm-2am so artificial light it is! ;)

[Arlene]

the ova project shouldn't take more then a couple of hours. i did a demo at my workshop in PA and I think it took all of 40 minutes. (of course because it was to demo how to make grays without using any grays i did use white in it.) here it is

[Amazingreys]

Ah. Isn't it striking how the simplest of everyday objects can look so beautiful! :clap:
I'll see what I can get done in one setting. I'm sure as long as the fabric isn't too complicated (I'm guessing that is what will give me the most difficulty!) hopefully I can knock it out in one night.
Thank you :)