Through my haze, My throbbing head noticed why I was having painting difficulties. I had bought the wrong watercolors. I bought Grumbacher opaque, when I usually--always--bring translucent. I didn't even know watercolor pads came with a thickness option. I told you I wasn't a watercolorist. --But I do know my way around acrylics and that's how I'll use this paint. For the first time, I finally understood the materials in my bag. For the first time, I also realized I wouldn't mind having both sets. It would be nice to have a choice of approach. These do not do thin very well.
I like the way this alla prima, plein air, abstract came out and have higher hopes for my next paintings. I have one small complaint: there's not enough gray in these sets of paint pads.
BEACHWALK, watercolor, 9"x12"
Querida Linda, veo que estas disfrutando de unas bellas vacaciones. El lugar parece relajante y dan ganas de ir alli tambien. Las acuarelas no seran buenas pero la pintura te ha quedado excelente. Felices vacaciones. Warm regards
ReplyDeleteYesterday was a great discovery. Now that I know what type of paint I'm dealing with, I hope I will be able to handle it better. A test page would be a good idea to see how to move gracefully between thick and thin.
DeleteLove the blues and the composition, Linda. It really looks like the opaques suit your style of painting.
ReplyDeleteNow I know they exist, I might go back to the medium--though I'm anxious to do some more work with pastels. What few sessions I had, I did learn they are a medium, I could get into. I'm planning on doing more still life's alla prima for warm ups this next year.
DeleteHet ziet er heel goed uit ga zo door Lieve groetjes Daniëlle
ReplyDeleteThanks Danielle. This is my idea of a happy winter.
DeleteIt's a right bummer when you go on holiday thinking you have all your supplies with you and find you have forgotten something, or even packed the wrong things. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. Hope your heads are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't figure out what was wrong--the paint or the paper. It finally occurred to me to read the small print on the box. The word opaque answered my questions. When I started using the paint thickly mixed, I stared getting some good results. But a thin wash is difficult. That will take some practice. It's okay, I've got nothing better to do, and I'm not expecting any masterpieces.
DeletePat and I lived (separately) 50 yards from the sea when we were kids. When we married we moved away and have never lived by the sea again... but we do miss it!
ReplyDeleteLove the light and colours in your painting.
Thanks John. --But you go on holiday by the sea? The two chaps we met sound like they love their home by the sea. It's in a small village NE of London. They get snowed in often during the winter, but I can just imagine the beauty oh the winter seascapes they enjoy from their windows.
DeleteBeautiful light in spite of your apprehensions with the opaque watercolor. Some great things can happen when one "makes do" with what is "at hand". You are always so innovative that I just know you will have a great time and discover new ways. Permit yourself to have fun and play-this is a time of relaxation and renewal, so let it happen.
ReplyDeleteHang on to your party ways and have fun with your love on this great escape! If truth be known, probably many of us have painted tanked up with water recuperating from the night before.
Your art blog friend
Steven
The paints are rather interesting. I have a way to go with them, but they definitely have potential. Today, I realized not only do I have to think light to dark, but
DeleteI have to work thin to thick. Watercolor got more complicated and a lot more interesting.
Ellis and I adore meeting folks from all over and spending time learning about their neck of the woods and views. On holiday, we are social butterflies drinking and dining with strangers, exchanging life experiences. There are no strings, just ships passing in the night. I really enjoy it, even though there's an occasional headache from over indulging.
What a way you have with watercolors! I'm still a beginner, I read everything you write about your different experiences and I like your cute painting. The subject and colors are quite appealing. Lucky , both of you, to be on vacation near the sea. Enjoy! :)
ReplyDeleteSo am I Helen. This is hardly anything as important as a painting. It's an alla prima sketch using a strange form of watercolor. For not knowing what I was doing, I think it came out okay. Cute? I'll take your word for it. Cute to me is a warm puppy. :-)
DeleteAll these posts during your vacation?! Who'd a thought it! Wonderful alla prima sketch! Maybe it's gouache. You party animal you.
ReplyDeleteI never paint in alla prima way, I would try.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting.
I like it a lot Linda -- you're really good :-)
ReplyDelete