Watercolor – The Finish

The nose knows...It is so hard in watercolor to get all the values right on the nose, and with the added shadows, a challenge to say the least! I am pleased with this one and have called it finished.

This painting was accomplished with a limited palette which included only five colors. Red Rose Deep, Azo Yellow and three blues, Cerulean, Cobalt and Ultramarine. Some of the color mixing was allowed to occur on the paper. This color fusion is one of the interesting characteristics of watercolor art.

The lips and the bottom of the face were the last elements to be painted. Some interesting design element to note is the predominant eye is the center of interest. It is located in the golden mean. For me, this was a fun painting that captured her personality.

Carolyn:

Watercolor – One Still in Progress

While many watercolor artists will not lift or scrub to adjust values. 300lb. Arches will take a lot if you know the techniques. While the hair is giving me a hard time, it is finally coming along. Now, I need to finish the face, and then start adjusting values.

While this is not a step-by-step work in progress, it is where I stopped.

Work Still in Progress:

Watercolor – Two New Portraits and One in Progress

After recovering from some medical problems, my muse has finally returned. It is funny how mood can affect your painting and your urge to paint. I am feeling well and back in the groove; much has been going on lately. More soon…

The first painting is my first attempt at a full sheet portrait (23” X 30”) on a new brand of paper I have not tried before. From now on, I plan to stay with Arches, the paper that works the best for me.

Smile II



















The second painting is another view of my friend Karen. This one is on ½ sheet, Arches CP 140# paper. I had more fun painting this one because I didn’t have to constantly think of how the paint would react with the paper!

Karen II



















Finally, this young lady was kind enough to pose for several reference photos and like most of my paintings at this stage, I’m not sure how it will turn out. It is on 300 lb. Arches rough paper, ¼ sheet size. Stay tuned in...

Work in Progress (un-named)