Wednesday, December 11, 2013

COLOR HARMONY FLAMINGOS



The orange color of the flamingos was not harmonious with the pink background in the painting.  So I went back to the background, putting in more blues to tone down the pink.  

Still not quite what I wanted.  So I added a bit more turquoise and teal color to the background and then lifted some of the color from the flamingos.  And I think it works better now.  



Now I just need to get time to finish it up, maybe putting in some stronger teal and turquoise colors in the ripples and softening some of them.  Oh, and they must have eyes!


I think I've changed the name of this one, too.


Birds of a feather - Full sheet (22" x 30") watercolor on 140# Fabriano paper.

15 comments:

Novice Naturalist said...

I like the changes! Very nice work.

Barb Sailor said...

Very successful changes in the painting...the colors are much better now. I like this painting.

Sadami said...

Hi, Rhonda, Congrats!! What a hardworker you are!
Cheers, Sadami

Unknown said...

Wow, thank you for showing the difference the adjusted background makes! It's a whole different feel when you do that! Beautiful painting!

Katherine Harra said...

If I did that many corrections to a painting's color harmonies . . .well, it wouldn't get posted. You did a wonderful job keeping it fresh and loose as you brought it to completion.

AK said...

I think either one is great in its own way. Any way being a perfectionist is always good.

Studio at the Farm said...

Lovely composition, Rhonda! And I like the color change.

Debbie Nolan said...

Rhonda - these flamingos really pop. Great color scheme. Hope you are having a lovely day.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, everyone, for your comments on this one. Katherine H., it really was fairly easy to make the changes because I just lifted some of the stronger orange and then layered some colors on the bg to bring it to what I wanted. I love it when watercolor is easy because it often is not! ha ha

Thanks for posting, Novice Naturalist - I have enjoyed visiting your blog and viewing your photos. I'll try to remember to return again :)

Anonymous said...

This is stunning. Love the changes. Happy Holidays, Rhonda.

Maureen Brookfield said...

Great composition! The changes to the background color make for a more harmonious painting. Lovely!

JANE MINTER said...

look forward to seeing them finished ...enjoy your break + sunshine rhonda ...wishing you a very happy christmas

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Maggie - and Happy Holidays to you :)

Thanks, Maureen :)

Thanks, Jane - and Happy Holidays!

Meera Rao said...

I always love when I get see before and after shots - nothing like getting an ah- ha moment that way! Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays and a very happy new year!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Meera! And Happy Holidays to you, too :)