Garlic braid in gouache
Posted: September 10, 2020 Filed under: Uncategorized 16 CommentsEvery once in a while, especially when I’ve been doing a lot of watercolours, I love to go back to thinking about values. Just good old black and white — in this case gouache in a Stillman & Birn Nova toned sketchbook. I try to simplify the big shapes into three values — lights, mid-tones and darks — even if I sometimes veer into variations in between. It’s a great exercise in looking, especially with a simple subject like my garlic braid, and it’s a rest from thinking about colour.

Great work! And next, maybe the loaf of bread for the garlic bread?
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I know. What will I do with all this garlic? You gave me a great idea Denise!
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Really neat. It is so simple, but there is so much to see.
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Thanks Chris!
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Yum garlic bread
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I need to get some toned paper. I like your results. I probably missed it along the way. Do you have a brand preference? Love the garlic. Did you grow it? My son has been ‘braiding’ recently
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Just reread your post. I see the name of the paper. Sorry. Have been experimenting with some brush pens recently. Life has handed me a lot of lemons lately so what little art I can do creates an oasis. Thank you
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Yes, Donna, it’s Stillman and Birn Nova series. It’s really nice paper for gouache. It’s thick enough to hold up to some moisture. I hope things get better for you soon!
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This really narrows it down to it’s essence. I hope you use all that garlic for something delicious.
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I will certainly find something to do with the garlic! Today it will be going on a chicken before I roast it!
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One of my favorite subjects-garlic. And you made a unique composition with it. Almost like a line up of people. Nice painting.
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I like that Judy. A line up of people! I have to take another look to see what you see.
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Well-illustrated…a v nice example…thank you for getting back to basics and showing the importance of ‘looking’ at tonal values.
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Thanks so much Hariette. Yes, back to basics this week!
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Thought I’d take a moment to let you know that your blog is the first thing I go to when I open my email in the morning. Your consist, delightful artwork feeds me with nourishment as yummy as breakfast. Thanks.
Su
suskjersaa.com
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Su, that makes me so happy to read. Thank you for taking the time to write!!
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