Slowly, (and I mean slowly) but surely the painting is coming along. At this second sitting...by the way, who EVER has used that term in reference to watercolor.?.. It feels like I'm working on an oil painting. This time however, it's because I'm putting multiple layers in the dark areas to build the shadows rather than putting color in and dabbing out the light areas. When I started this, I used only the colors that were on my palette, which made for some interesting color combinations. But as I progressed into this stage, I ran out of paint and had to decide what I really wanted to use for color. I chose raw sienna, Ultramarine Blue and of course my old standby for cool shadows, Cerulean Blue. I also dabbed some Davy's Gray on my pallet to add to the Ultramarine blue if I need it. I should mention that just before I ran out of paint on my palette, I found a little well of Yellow Ochre. I found this to work nicely to represent the lighter area of the shadow on the forehead. I'm feeling like I could make a fatal error by not having an actual planned color scheme, but so far it's working just flying by the seat of my pants. At one point I was thinking I should make some decisions on what I want to do, but I think it's more exciting to just go by feel and see what happens. And now that I've kind of seen whats working I will probably stick with that Ultramarine Blue, Davys Gray, Yellow Ochre and some of the reds that seem to have worked in representing the skin as it emerges from the shadow. This is intended to be a dark painting, which in some ways helps. As long as I get the values close it should work. In the back of my mind I'm also thinking that if I lose this painting, I have another one in me. So in some ways, this is a "study" that might end up being an actual finished painting. My favorite way of painting is with cautioned expectations. I end up painting more relaxed. Notice the splashes and drips where I've thrown the color on. That's the best part of watercolor to me.
As an added note. I always like seeing how the photos come out. Seeing this in 2D helps me see some of the fixes that are needed in the composition. And the compacted view helps me see if my value range is working.
As an added note. I always like seeing how the photos come out. Seeing this in 2D helps me see some of the fixes that are needed in the composition. And the compacted view helps me see if my value range is working.
Hi Kevin,
ReplyDeleteI had a good laugh about your "second sitting", too. Always thought watercolor was a "one-shot" deal and we all know how challenging portraits are using this medium.
On a more serious note...Kevin...this is just fabulous. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I think portraiture is your calling, whether or not you like the idea.
I'd never suggest limiting yourself to it, but what you do with faces is just so good. I'll leave it at that, as I wouldn't want you to get too puffed-up. Of course, you always have golf to bring you back to earth!!! I well-remember just how humbling a game it was.
Have a great day.
Sincerely,
Gary.
It is looking more and more like my heart is more into painting people than places, although I get just as excited when a landscape or still life comes out. My biggest challenge in portraiture is getting the composition right, and...just like a golf swing, trusting it. I've already started to struggle with the mouth and have to go over it very carefully so it isn't skewed or over exaggerated. And if I ever get too puffed up, I just have to look at some of my fellow (full-time) artists. You will slam me back down to earth in a second. The word humbling doesn't come to mind when I think of golf. The words embarrassing, humiliating, taunting and abusive do. Just kidding...sort of.
DeleteWell back to painting.
I really appreciate when blogging artist talk about their thought process as they create their art. I have started out many posts with the words, 'slowly but surely...' or something to that effect. I'm glad I'm not the only one. But your philosophy of letting it happen rather than planning every stroke... that makes me nervous! I admire artists who can do that, and your results are wonderful! I like the intensity you're achieving in this portrait. It's going to be amazing! It already is!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katherine. I look forward to reading how other artists create their work. And not just technically. I also enjoy seeing how their thoughts affect their decisions. I decided to include my thoughts here because this has been coming along almost by accident, and I wanted to confess that. Mostly I like to write it down because it helps me remember what works and what doesn't. I hope I never recommend painting in any specific style, because everyone has their preferences. I enjoy watercolor that seems to look like it was done loosely, but has solid composition. I also have a place for the dry brush technique, but I gravitate more towards the style that can depict the subject without looking too controlled. Having said that, lately I've been looking at the Hyper Realistic art, which is the very definition of planning every stroke, and I have great admiration for the patience that takes. I plan in the near future to try to paint this way just to see if I can pull it off.
DeleteI agree with Gary - this really is beautiful and I admire your seat-of-the-pants style with this. It sound like you have less stress and more fun with portraits.
ReplyDeleteThanks RH.....Ahhhh! I left a reply which didn't publish, so here it is again. Your encouragement is inspiring. Last week work wasn't as busy but the hours were exhausting. This week the hours are better but now I'm swamped at work. But I worked on it again this morning so eventually it will get done. Another thing about golf. I can work hard at it and get better, but then fall back and get worse somehow. Not the case with my art. Or for yours RH. I see improvement in your work all the time. Sure, we have setbacks, but those are learning experiences that we progress from. That's the great thing about creating isn't it?
Delete