Monday, January 14, 2013

NO DRAWING


Another watercolor sketch/painting done with no prior drawing - in my Strathmore Visual Journal (90#).  I have the 140# journal, too, but I think this lighter weight paper doesn't take much working so it's easy to overwork.  Knowing that, I try to get the colors and shapes down in 2-3 passes and no more.  You can lift a little but not much. 

The goal for these paintings without drawing is to lighten up, get to a point where I will not overwork a piece so much, and to help me slow down and see shapes and values better.  

This was a pretty convoluted photo I used and I don't think I got the greens or the shapes varied enough in this one. 

Still working on this challenge for myself - at least throughout the month of January.

What are you working on this year?  What challenges or goals have you set for yourself?

17 comments:

Carol Blackburn said...

Nice job on this one, Rhonda. You are to be commended for your continued development of your wonderful artistic abilities. I am just lazy, I guess. I started a new acrylic painting on folding tray three weeks ago and it should be finished by now but it isn't. To many distractions or no pep. Like I said, congratulations.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Carol. I've found that, without caffeine in my system I tend to not exercise, not paint, just sit and do nothing but watch t.v. - so I'm back on my Starbucks once a day to get my motor running. Nothing wrong with needing a little extra pep in your step to get you going - as long as you don't overdo :) And, of course, watch the calories! ha ha

Studio at the Farm said...

Hi Rhonda. I see improvement with each painting you do without drawing. Kudos to you for your discipline and success.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Kathryn :) Today, I'm just being lazy but am catching up with some blogs.

Michelle Himes said...

Nice one, Rhonda!

Since you mentioned using HTML, I haven't had any problems.
My project for the next couple of months is the 75 day sketch challenge - pen only. I'm getting the hang of it, but still a little slow and tentative to avoid too many mistakes.

Debbie Nolan said...

Rhonda - this painting looks good - I think it would have been difficult to capture the grapes without a bit of pencil work - good for you!

Vicki Greene said...

I really like all of the texture and shapes in this one.

mollie jones said...

Rhonda...really enjoy seeing this work with no drawing...you're to be commended as I've not found this to be one of my talents...ha. You've gotten lovely values going here with all that green...not an easy thing.

Unknown said...

Another reason to read your blog. You remind us all to practice. Not everything has to be finished. And you are getting better because you are doing these exercises. I could definitely benefit from the same, and I think in fact, I will do that this morning. (First I have to go back to sleep so I can work today).

Cathy Gatland said...

This is looking good Rhonda - great idea to use paper that forces you not to overdo it! I haven't (yet!!) got to goals and challenges. I've been cleaning my studio - a huge job! - and am hoping that will get the juices flowing again.

Autumn Leaves said...

The little seeds add the perfect touch and I really like this piece, Rhonda. But then I am such a fan of leaves and nature.

Jane said...

You're doing so well at this, Rhonda. The foliage may not look like the foliage, but I would't know that, since I don't have the photo, and it looks really good to me.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Debbie, Vicki, Cathy, and Sherry for your positive comments on this one. I do have times of determination and discipline - other times not at all! ha ha Guess that's what happens when you're human.

RH Carpenter said...

Michelle, you are doing great with your drawings - and in pen!! I'm impressed as I've never done anything but doodle in pen and ink. You've got some good drawings already - just think what you'll have in a few weeks :)
Kevin, do sleep - you must be rested to work and to create beautiful things.

RH Carpenter said...

Jane, so good to hear from you! I hope you are doing well and thanks for the comment - I know you are a master at this kind of thing but it's new to me and I'm getting to enjoy it (which I never would have done a year or two ago).

renate said...

Hello Rhonda:) I think your work is improving very fast! It does look very natural. I can see you love to do this:)Good job!

RH Carpenter said...

Thank you, Renate :) I'm learning and trying something new - at least through this month.