Monday, March 03, 2008

Interpretation of Montana



I've been painting whenever I get a free moment. That isn't often. Usually, its while Megan and I are watching American Idol-it is pretty much the only TV show that we watch regularly, with the exception of reruns of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, which has to be THE funniest show on T.V.

I've put a time limit on these little studies that I've been working on. At the end of the T.V. show, I'm done. That's it...put the brush down, clean up and go to bed.

The inspiration for this piece was a photograph sent to me by my friend Bryan from Montana.

How'd I do? I've been reading "A Painter's Guide to Color" by Steven Quiller and that has been very helpful- especially where it comes to mixing colors and how to create paintings where everything isn't just all bright colors. So far, it has been rewarding to read his book.

Any comments or suggestions about books techniques, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

Tom

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12 comments:

  1. Wonderful painting and it has been forever since I have been able to paint! Keep up the great work and can't wait to see what you do next!

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  2. Terrific mountain scene! Techniques, especially with watercolors, are really hard to learn via reading or describing. You just have to try many variations on practice paper to learn what the paint wants to do: Wet the paper first then paint, or paint on dry paper, or paint dry and then take a clean brush with water and move the paint on the paper around.I found watercolors look the best when I allow a layer of paint to thoroughly dry before I apply the next layer. I think that's the secret!
    I find watercolors challenging and tricky!
    Great job Tom!

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  3. Nice painting, Tom.

    Come check out my comments box--for tonight's post.
    I'll tell the whole story tomorrow!

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  4. Wonderful loose feel with your mountains. As for books try 'Watercolor Right From The Start' by Hilary Page.
    Also 'Yellow and Blue Don't Make Green' by Michael Wilcox
    here is his site
    http://www.schoolofcolor.com/

    Above all have fun.
    oh and I'm an idol fan also.

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  5. Yeah- great job Tommy! :-) I'm glad you are painting.

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  6. I know how difficult it is to work with water colors. Wow.

    No suggestions. Just keep up the good work.

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  7. watercolors are tricky to do right, especially landscapes. call my dad next time you're up here and can spare an hour. he'll get you straightened out and he'll teach anyone for a few bucks.

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  8. Very nice (said the woman who's pro-"bright colors." *LOL*) I like the sense of depth here.

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  9. Hey Tom this is beautiful, oh and I watch American / Canadian Idol too, lol, but I usually come in for top 10. Anna :)

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  10. I did not know you painted. That makes this an unusual post and a nice one too. You are a talented person.

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  11. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You everyone for your encouragement and guidance! It is much appreciated.

    Tom

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