After 3 days in the Christopher Leeper workshop, I had a few exercises on 1/8 sheet watercolor 140# to share (see previous posts for them). They are not very good at all, but maybe they have some promise. Afterall, it's a process of learning and also of painting - the more I do it, the better I will get. At least, that's what I'm telling myself! ha ha
Here is a small painting I tried, on 1/4 sheet Arches 140# hotpress paper - yep, hotpress! When I challenge myself, I really go all out! The result is not good. I overworked so much. If I had quit on this about 1/2 hour before I stopped, it might have been good. But again, a learning experience.
After seeing how muddy this one became, I did a few color studies, using the primary palette Chris used for his snow scene: Hansa Yellow Light, Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Red with a touch of Quinacridone Rose. Chris can make some beautiful browns with just these colors.
I have some Arches 140# rough paper ordered, a few Daniel Smith colors used by Chris (Manganese Blue, Permanent Brown), and some of the Silver Brush Black Velvet round brushes Chris used (get them from Cheap Joes, not Daniel Smith, if you want a better bargain). So - with all that, and a few pieces of Arches 300# rough paper to practice on, I should be painting like Chris in no time - right? ha ha ha ha ha
Here is a small painting I tried, on 1/4 sheet Arches 140# hotpress paper - yep, hotpress! When I challenge myself, I really go all out! The result is not good. I overworked so much. If I had quit on this about 1/2 hour before I stopped, it might have been good. But again, a learning experience.
After seeing how muddy this one became, I did a few color studies, using the primary palette Chris used for his snow scene: Hansa Yellow Light, Cobalt Blue, Quinacridone Red with a touch of Quinacridone Rose. Chris can make some beautiful browns with just these colors.
13 comments:
Rhonda, I truly like this style of painting. I hope you follow through with more.
Hi Rhonda, I so enjoyed catching up on your blog and seeing all the painting you've been doing. I also liked the post about Mr. Means and Mr. Banks. Your writing captures the imagination!
Bravo Rhonda! You deserve a pat on the back for forging on to new areas. Now all you need is to put a few crows on that landscape :)
Looking good!
Kathryn, thanks; I will try more, small ones until I feel like I'm getting it :)
Ann, good to hear from you :) Hope all is well in your part of the world.
Carol, thanks! I hope I can learn more - and I did tell Chris when he did his 2nd and 3rd landscape that "All that needs is a crow!" ha ha He agreed, as he likes crows, too.
Sounds like a great workshop and you are very smart to practice the techniques so soon afterward. Silver Black Velvet brushes are my very favorite and I think you will really enjoy them!
I think it is interesting that you see this piece as overworked and muddy, Rhonda. I really like it and find the colors just pop. I find it visually appealing and a strong painting.
This isn't a bad painting as you infer, Rhonda! I, also, use the Silver Black Velvet brushes almost exclusively now and love them. They always come to such a wonderful point.
Thanks so much, Vicki, Sherry and Susan. Vicki and Susan, I just got the SBV brushes from Cheap Joe's today - will try them out and see what I think. Before these, my favorites were the daVinci Cosmo Top Spin (rounds). But a lot of artists love the SBVs so there must be something good about them - and they aren't expensive.
Hello Rhonda:) I don't know why you are so negative about your paintings. I really do love them. This last one is beautiful and no muddy at all. I like the trees in the background and the composition is just beautiful!
Heads up!! Have a nice sunday:)
Thank you, Renate :) I guess I'm comparing my landscape to the ones Chris did and I see where I'm overworking areas - the trees look much worse in person! ha ha
Thanks RH. Your last comment about how this looks in person was exactly what I thought you meant when you said this didn't turn out. Because on your blog this actually looks good. But you're looking at it up close and personal, so your critique is sharper than ours. I like that you have high expectations for your work. I think that way of thinking is how we improve. I admire that you are utilizing every educational opportunity available. Your blog helps all of us get better. Thanks
HATS OFF!
Thanks, Kevin. Sometimes the work looks better in person than a photo can show but sometimes it looks more overworked than a photo can show! Ah, well, learning learning learning!
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