Tuesday, January 18, 2011

RAVEN RHYTHMS, WIP 1 + 2

While keeping my hands off the Shaker still life painting (I don't pick it up unless I'm relaxed and ready to think more than paint while looking at it), I've begun something else, using some reference photos sent to me by my friend, Sharon.


I put down the sections using white artist's tape, then decided to play with the sections so put down torn pieces of masking tape here and there to create a rhythm.  Then I traced the photo references onto tracing paper, and played with placement of the pieces of tracing paper, ending up with the three elements I have here. 

Next step, a wet wash of colors, playing with pinks and reds behind the birds.  I miskited off parts of feathers, claws, eyes, etc. to save them and painted around them as much as I could, watching out for drips.  I also painted inside the birds' mouths that were open with the same pinks/reds, and then took a large flat and just stroked an orange-pink color over some of the horizontal bits of masking tape.

At this point, there are 3 distinct sections and there's nothing in the 4th section. 



So after the paint dried, I drew in a single feather in that 4th section.

11 comments:

hw (hallie) farber said...

I do like this--they look a bit mean.

Unknown said...

You're so creative! And very brave to try new things with your art. I've always been told that's how we improve, by taking risks. but it's easier said than done. It's going to be an amazing piece, I can already tell!

Vicki Greene said...

You work so fast that I can't keep up with you. I like this and am keeping and eye on the Shaker Village too (looking really good).

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Hallie and Katherine. Katherine, you have to bend and stretch yourself at times, never knowing if you will get a successful painting at the end (but hoping you learn something along the way).

Vicki, sometimes I can't keep up with myself! ha ha I am doing a little bit more on both of the paintings - while one dries and waits, the other beckons...

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda, Fascinating composition with the ravens! I think a single feather in the fourth section was a brilliant idea. I look forward to seeing how it turns out!

RH Carpenter said...

Peggy, the feather is in and painted - will share the next stage soon.

Hallie, I wonder if it's just the open mouth - making that raucous noise they make - that makes them seem mean? :)

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Rhonda...I love that one on the right who is peeking around the divider bar and taunting us! He looks so sneaky, he looks like he just peeked out and said Boo. I can't wait to see the next stage with that single feather. Your creativity just amazes me.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Susan :)

Summer said...

I really like the one in the third section popping out like that. It made me flinch and smile at the same time.

RH Carpenter said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Summer, for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I enjoyed visiting your blog and seeing your drawing challenge to yourself :)