Monday, February 23, 2009

Kevin - complete

Kevin
11 x 14 watercolour & pastel

This is the final update for the portrait that I've been working on for the study group.

I started it in watercolour and it lacked some oomph. I'm always a little timid about watercolours and don't want to muddy them. But then I end up too weak. So I added some pastel to this as well as more layers of watercolour and am pleased with the final result.

The portrait was a fun one to do and challenging as well. There is always great appeal for me in trying to create skin tones and expression and I learn something new with each portrait that I complete.

9 comments:

Teresa Mallen said...

Great job Jeanette!! The final tweaking with the pastel and watercolour did the trick.

Billie Crain said...

you really brought this one home with the darker values, Jeanette! i know about being timid with the w/c's. you can always add but it's harder to remove if not impossible.

Anonymous said...

Good job Jeanette. I really like how you formed the tongue.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Once one gets over the Conservatives' attitude about 'pure watercolour' some of the most beautiful paintings are mixed media. I love this portrait.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Experimentation often brings surprising results. Thanks Teresa.

Watercolours always scare me Billie. But I like to test myself and see what I can achieve. I figure there's some logic, some planning and some luck in each piece!

Its an unusual portrait, but everything is a test and only shapes after all. The tongue was easier than I anticipated Robin. I just kept layering colours to try to get just the right levels of saturation.

I like how it turned out as well Robyn. I'm getting braver in mixing media and seeing better results. But you're right, the purists wouldn't allow it most likely.

Anita said...

Wonderful eyes! They positively sparkle!
I wonder if I will get this one done - hope to.

Gina Cuff said...

Jeanette, you really are getting quite good at using watercolor. I love the skin tones.

Jeanette Jobson said...

I was trying to be very controlled with the eyes Anita as I wanted accuracy with them. Teeny, weeny brushes...

If not this month, there is always next to do.

Gina, I'm glad you think so. It really does take a lot of practice to get it to look like skin with this medium.

black bear cabin said...

i agree with your thoughts on watercolors...but this piece tells me you are much more accomplished than you think you are. The extra touch with pastels are wonderful, and so is this piece! Well done! :)

p.s. i stumbled upon your blog and find it lots of fun! thanks for sharing.