Saturday, July 25, 2015

PAINTING WITHOUT DRAWING

In the latest Watercolor Artist magazine (the European one), there was an article about an artist named LaFe who paints without drawing - mostly flowers.  




I thought I'd try it.  

It really makes you slow down and look and look and look closely.  I started in the center darks, put in the darks first, and then the wet colors around.  Last = the background which then brought the lights up around the flower.  

Of course, now that I look at it I see the green leaves are pretty tiny compared to the flower - but that can be fixed...




12 comments:

Sadami said...

Rhonda, wow, very beautiful and elegant. Your post, a few sentences and the work eloquently tells what you did. A great post. Best wishes, Sadami

Gatepost productions said...

Just stopped by to say what a star I thought you were for taking that much time to devote to 'Crimson Leaves', at a time when she needs friends, support and good advice. Refreshing to see people caring for others in this modern day and age.

Glad I stopped by your painting is beautiful.

I shall become a follower if you don't mind?

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Sadami. This one just flowed from the brush to the paper. The second one, I ruined!! ha ha Not easy to slow down and look and let the paint do its thing...

John, thanks so much. I was afraid, afterwards, that I would be seen as a knowitall = who am I to tell someone what to do?? So glad that others saw what I was trying to say as positive. I would love to have you be a follower and thanks for the comment on the painting :)

RH Carpenter said...

John, just took a quick peek at your blog - love the painting of Dustin Brown :) I watched that match and was rooting him on - amazing man with a great story and a great look - hope to see him again soon.

Gary L. Everest said...

Hi Rhonda,
I think you've discovered something quite interesting here. You did a superb job on this rose. As for the leaf...I had to go back to notice it. Small leaves are nothing unusual on a rose bush, so I thought nothing of it. Also, the blossom was so beautiful, it commanded my complete attention.
The highest praise I can offer is...It is exquisitely painterly. Nothing looks forced or overworked. It looks like a highly-talented artist called upon years of experience and produced this wonderful painting.
Really looks good!
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday!
Sincerely,
Gary.

isabella kramer - veredit said...

Hi Rhonda,
this is just a beautiful result.

Autumn Leaves said...

Absolutely beautiful, Rhonda! Your work has just truly blossomed this year! And thank you so much for your always thoughtful and oh so kind comments. They make my day.

Jennifer Rose said...

I'm the same as Gary, didn't notice the leaf until I went back after you mentioned it

very nice delicate painting, gorgeous soft colours :)

I've seen people do etchings without and sketching on the plates but I don't think I could ever do it lol

Unknown said...

I love your rose Rhonda! :))
Wish I could do that WITH drawing :)
But I'll stay away from flowers
for a while :))

Have a wonderful week!
Möwe

Anonymous said...

This rose is just stunning. I read about each step with interest, I love how your rose came out. Delicate and bright.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks for much for the positive comments, Carol, Mowe, Jennifer Rose, Sherry, Isabelle, and Gary! I think I may have had "beginner's luck" with this one because I've tried 2 others and they didn't turn out as pretty :(

Randall David Tipton said...

Gorgeous! Working from life is the best way!