Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Watercolour


Mother Duck
11 x 14 watercolour
copyright Jeanette Jobson


I played with watercolour for the sketch done a few days ago. I still need more layers and of course the scan doesn't look anything like the original.

Watercolour works so beautifully sometimes and other times can turn into a muddy mess. Overworking is a big challenge and keep the colours pure and fresh. I'm using a 24 set of Winsor & Newton half pans that I bought too many years ago to remember, which shows just how frequently that I use watercolours.

Each time I use them I say that I need more practice and love the process even if I am a little impatient in the drying times. What I would like to do is take a watercolour class with a good teacher that would push me in the right direction and undo some of my bad habits in the medium.

6 comments:

"JeanneG" said...

I really like this. I really like the title you gave it. Reminds me of the Cary Grant movie Father Goose. I bet you really do feel like a "barnyard mom" between all the babies at your place.

I would love to be able to do my self portraits or any portraits in color. Especially watercolor. just something more I need to learn.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Jeanne. Chuckle, yes, there's always some animal hanging off me at some point. The Muscovy ducks are the next to hatch and I can't wait to see those duckling.

Of course you can do a portrait in colour. All you have to do is try.

Stacy said...

Jeanette, you would never guess from this self portrait that you are an infrequent watercolor user. If you would like to speed your drying times, use a hairdryer on a low setting. Works like a charm. Also, I recommend Jim Toogood as a good teacher. He is very knowledgable about paints and individual pigments. You can find his book at Amazon if you want to learn more about him.

I hope to see more watercolors from you. It is my favorite medium to use and to look at!

Billie Crain said...

you've done a wonderful job on your skin tones, Jeanette! that's tricky, IMO.

Terry Banderas said...

Nice job Jeanette. I do agree with Stacy. Your handling of watercolor looks great for one who does not use it much. I hope you do more watercolors.

Tracy Hall said...

Hi Jeanette! I don't think you have a problem with watercolours either judging by this - and the skin tones are beautiful. Hope you do lots more.