Just got my latest (April) issue of Watercolor Artist. In it, there are always links to what's online. This time, I found Karen Frey's work with underpainting the figure/portrait interesting. She begins with the smallest rigger and then goes to a big brush - exactly the opposite way most other artists work. Good watercolors, though, so that technique must work for her. The link is here:
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/article/watercolor-underpainting
And these photos show where I am with Figure in Red and Black (I started this one over after being unhappy with the way the first was going).
Going to try to remain true to the watercolor on this one and let the paint and water do its thing without so much manipulation from me (I hope). I just put down the color on prewet paper and then tipped it to let it run and blend. This is a full sheet (22" x 30") of Arches 140# hot press (could be a pain to use but we'll see) watercolor paper.
The "black" which isn't dark yet (but will be) looks like a mess right now but I'm not worried yet. I'll go much darker in all those areas and still try to let the colors (Indigo + Transparent Orange) do their thing without my forcing it.
http://www.artistsnetwork.com/article/watercolor-underpainting
And these photos show where I am with Figure in Red and Black (I started this one over after being unhappy with the way the first was going).
Going to try to remain true to the watercolor on this one and let the paint and water do its thing without so much manipulation from me (I hope). I just put down the color on prewet paper and then tipped it to let it run and blend. This is a full sheet (22" x 30") of Arches 140# hot press (could be a pain to use but we'll see) watercolor paper.
The "black" which isn't dark yet (but will be) looks like a mess right now but I'm not worried yet. I'll go much darker in all those areas and still try to let the colors (Indigo + Transparent Orange) do their thing without my forcing it.
5 comments:
Thank you for the link to that interesting article/demo.
How do you like working with the HP paper? Looking forward to the progress pictures on this painting.
Continue to take care of that neck...don't overdue it!
Glad you enjoyed it, Christine. I like the HP when working smaller - 1/4 sheet or so but a full sheet may take some extra precautions to get a good background. For getting runny, wild, drizzly effects, you can't beat it :) I'm babying my neck although it doesn't hurt now - waiting to get back into exercise a few more days. Of course, no exercise = no chocolates at all :(
I am loving the way this is looking! Don't think it looks messy at all. Just underway. Love you and your beautiful blogging presence.
I look forward to your suggested links and I am looking forward to seeing your progress with this technique. Interesting beginning.
Thanks, Suzanne - right back at 'cha!
Thanks, Linda. I need to get back to that in between the figure exercises.
Post a Comment