Saturday, February 09, 2008

Little Pond Watercolor

Thanks to Chris, aka the Chicago Nature Lady, I have recently started painting again. I broke out my Winsor and Newton Cotman six tube watercolor set and came up with this impression of a sunset in Munroe Falls, Ohio And a long time ago, before Megan and I were married, I painted this winter scene of Little Pond.

And here is my latest watercolor, based on a photo I took this past August in Maine while visiting her parents at Little Pond.



I really don't know what I'm doing when I start these things. I'm learning about watercolor as I go along! I'm pretty happy with this picture, but I think the colors are a bit exaggerated. Perhaps that is my artistic freedom that I have implemented. Biologically, I think the painting is fairly accurate. The blended blue and greens in the foreground give the impression of the bullhead lily, water lily, and water shield that rim the pond. The sunlight is reflected in an open water area, as do the dark reflections of the pines. I'm open for critique here. What do you think of this painting? How can I get improve my work?

Tom

13 comments:

  1. What have you been waiting for -- that's fantastic!

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  2. I like this a lot. Being an artist, myself, I do not criticize. Art is about self-expression, critics be damned. Personally I prefer exaggerated colors. If I want realism, I can look out the window. My brain thrives on eye bursting COLOR! :)

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  3. FYI, for some reason, whenever I come to your blog, "South Durras, Australia" pops up in my Google search bar. Strange, that...

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  4. This is a really effective painting.

    One way of 'greying' or taking the colour down is to add a touch of the complementary, or a darker tone of the same shade (which is a little more professional and easier to control). You've got a strong sense of composition. Acrylics will give you a number of options watercolour wont. I'm just about to start painting again after a long break.

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  5. Tom- I think this is beautiful- but you already know that! I love its new place on our wall...I know my parents would love to see this...

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  6. Tom, what a vibrant watercolor that has a lot of depth to it. I can't wait to see what you do next.

    Wild wave to Megan too. :D

    Hugs, JJ

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  7. T.R.- Thank you.

    Lana, thank you. I think the South Durras thing is because I have a google map of South Durras, Australia, embedded way down at the bottom of this page.

    Julie- I have taken your suggestion! My co-worker has always told me this, but I've never tried it. I messed around with adding a complementary colors and boy does it really create pleasing hues! Thank you.

    Megan- You rock, thanks for going to the art supply place with me tonight and being patient while I did my CSCC homework!

    JJ- Hmm.. I'll have to think about that one. Spring will be coming soon, so I need to get busy. Once it is light outside, I'd rather be taking pictures!

    Thanks again everyone.

    Tom

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  8. Tom: Another wonderful painting! Way to go!!! I too love vibrant colors especially the blues and greens. Reflecting images in the water are always a tad darker than the original image, which you have done with the yellows in the water, good job. Do you wet the paper before you paint, for a wash effect or are you painting wet on dry?
    Keep up the great work, you'll be amazed at how well you'll improve in a short time.
    Chris :)

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  9. This painting is beautiful, I think the colours are great. I didn't know you could paint as well as take photos! I can't paint very well - especially not people - that's why whenever I do paint, it's nature! :)

    David Webb

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  10. Chris-
    I start out with washes and soaking wet paper, but as I go along, over several paintings, I'm usually putting the last details in when the paper and the underlying layers are dry.

    David,

    Thank you! My last art class was in 8th grade, but I find painting a nice escape from the computer. It keeps me from going crazy during our short winter days!

    Tom

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  11. I came by your blog via nature blog network. I just now had a wonderful look at your photos and had to stop here at your watercolor. Wonderful color and you should paint more. Try using different papers and when you can start buying artist grade watercolors. makes a big difference. Well worth the investment.
    I'll be back

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  12. Hi Toni,

    Thank you for your words of encouragement. I feel like there is a ton of stuff I need to learn, but I think if I just sit down and paint, those things will come and I shouldn't worry about them. Thank you for the tips!

    Tom

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