Monday, May 5, 2014

WORKING TOWARDS SOMETHING





To work towards an idea I have and to get to larger versions, I am going to do a couple of small study paintings first, to try to work out the kinks.  This one, a 1/4 sheet (11 x 15 inches), showed me what I need to change in the larger version - if I go that way.


So what needs to change?

1) lose the tree in the left side
2) lose the grey-blue shape (which is a fallen tree branch) in the background
3) bring the bird up more towards the top of the paper instead of having so much green behind - so I can put in some more water underneath with pink reflections 
4) work on getting smaller blobs and drops of water using various tools with masking fluid
5) make those changes and then draw it out larger

My idea is to have two birds on one large sheet for the final - working towards that.


Happy Cinco de Mayo!  
(I had my margarita yesterday - yum!)


8 comments:

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Rhonda - thank you for sharing your thoughts on how you work through changes. Will be looking forward to seeing this one finished.

laura said...

I must be slipping: didn't even register it was Cinco de Mayo! Oh woe the lost drinking opportunity!
This is a fascinating image ... ! Did you use mask or a wax resist?
i like the purple-gray color of the branch behind the bird.

Caroline Simmill said...

I really like the feeling you have created in your lovely painting Rhonda. I understand you are working towards a large painting but this is a wee gem in it's own right.

Pam Johnson Brickell said...

Dynamic bird activity. Can't wait to see the journey this trial run takes!

Autumn Leaves said...

Looking amazing, Rhonda! Love the splashing of the bird!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Debbie :)

Laura, yep, you'll have to celebrate Ocho de Mayo! ha ha I used masking fluid - but only after I'd done the bg - d'uh!! So this is why this is just a study for the larger version to come later this month. I am thinking I don't hate that color behind the bird at all - but want to warm it up somehow...

Thanks, Caroline!

Pam, hope you return to see the next steps as they arrive :)

Thanks, Sherry! That splashing is hard to do without planning ahead - which I didn't do with this little one.

Unknown said...

This is amazing, Debbie! I love your idea to have to birds on one large sheet. I think it will look great.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks for stopping by and for taking the time to comment, Catherine. My name is Rhonda. I think Debbie was one of the last artists who posted a comment :)