Vertical experiment
Posted: March 18, 2014 Filed under: Uncategorized 19 CommentsIn the David Curtis book I am reading he quotes watercolourist Edward Wesson on the subject of success in watercolour painting: “Four out of ten if you are lucky!”. So true.
I have a tabletop easel and thought I might try painting on a vertical surface instead of the usual 20% incline that I normally use. I love working vertically because you can really see what you are doing and you have a tendency to step back more frequently to look at the work, but as you can see, the washes have a tendency to drip. After yesterday’s sketch which was too tight and too controlled, I was happy to have a few drips on my paper.
Hi Shari, You may think that Little House on the Lake was too tight but I think it has great charm and a nice balance of “tight” pen work and looser washes which together combine nicely to make a satisfying composition. I love your stylized trees. In “Vertical Experiment” you once again take mundane objects and give them personality. Thanks for sharing.
I guess we are all more critical of our own work than others may be Jeff. I always want to have a combo of loose line work and loose washes so that’s why I was moaning about my little house sketch. I don’t know if this happens to you but I often have a picture in my head of how the final product should look and that one just didn’t match what I wanted.
I love your paintings/sketches. Viewing each one is like receiving a new present every day. Thanks again … Until tomorrow …
Thanks again Chris. Getting to do these every day is a gift as well.
Hi Shari,
I really like the limited palette with these fruits and it seems so different in treatment from the little house.
Thanks Marion. Limiting my palette always keeps me on the right track.
“…yesterday’s sketch was too controlled.” No wonder I loved it. I laugh every time I see you critique your work. Betcha Edward Hooper did the same thing! Jacques in Naples, Florida
Of course I have to critique my work Jacques. If I didn’t try to do a little better every day there would be no reason to keep on going… Merci mon ami.
I guess I view your work as perfect . . . these are rose colored glasses I’m wearing. Keep getting better, me too. Jacques
Love the bright colors.
Thanks Jim!
What a fun little still life. Love the vibrant colors.
Thanks Charlie!
I am also starting to paint vertically for the same reasons. Stepping back; keeps me from getting too detailed; I am looser with the brush. Drips are good!
Yes, drips are great!! Glad to hear that you are painting vertically too. It really depends on how much wash you have on your brush because it can get out of control, but I like that too.
wonderful contrasts.
Thanks Mary!
Love the drips! And the wonderful sunny atmosphere!
Thanks Jean!