Thursday, April 23, 2009

Maple leaf......


I was reading through a water colour thread on Drawspace, where I found an image posted by Adolpho. He suggested laying down a wash of yellow on the leaf and build from there. I found I got lost on the leafs vines, probably because even though I started slow, I sped up after awhile.

Sarah on the same thread suggested that only two or three layers of colour should go down, so I think that will explain some of the muddiness. Sarah also suggested cutting yourself some post card size papers and keep practicing, which sounded like a great idea.

I am using 140lb strathmore CP water colour paper, I wet it down and then taped it. It still buckled, I am thinking this is because I didn't soak it, just ran it through the tap water. I'll try soaking it next time. Oh, might also be because I taped it too close to the edge, or the paint tape I have isn't strong enough.

5 comments:

  1. Paulette, you are doing great with those watercolors! This leaf is looking real good.

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  2. I think you've done very well with your leaf. You can see the layers of colour and how they overlap in places, leaving lost and some harder edges.

    Watercolour does take a lot of practice to make it behave as you want. Even after lots of practice, it still doesn't always behave but you have a better idea of how to help it along.

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  3. Hi Christine!
    It's coming and I am having fun!

    Hi Jeanette,
    I can see how that would be and it is part of what I love about water colour paintings. I am enjoying learning and won't have any problem practicing!

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  4. Paulette, I think you're much better at w/c than I am. I really like the look but can't seem to achieve it. You, on the other hand, are doing great.

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  5. Hi Jan,
    I love water colours, so I hope I can learn to achieve that dreamy look that they can have.

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