Sunday, October 25, 2009

Self portrait start



I'm still working in watercolour and with another self portrait. that I set up today.  This piece is 15  x 22 on 300lb Arches paper.  The skin tone is very pale in this and I'm using a reference image. I wanted to see how I could capture that colouring, yet still have elements that draw the view in. 

I also like the drama of a face that fills the space.  That, in itself, creates impact.

So I'm thinking carefully now about brush strokes and placement.  Watercolours do tend to be a planner's tool as they aren't very forgiving.  I'm still going fairly loose with this but patience isn't often my virtue when it comes to waiting for layers to dry, so there may be some lost edges.  However, part of the appeal of watercolour is not knowing exactly what will happen.

And a couple of closer views for those who like to see technique and detail.




5 comments:

Jo Castillo said...

This is impressive and beautiful and mysterious all at the same time.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Jo, that's just what I'm trying to achieve. I want the finished piece to have a feel mystery around it.

Jennifer Rose said...

thanks for the closeups, very helpful :) it is very mysterious, like you are coming off the page

Susan Parsons said...

love the way you manage to make it so colorful and still make it look like skin.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Thanks Jennifer. I'm crossing my fingers that it works the way I want.

Funny how values, not really colours make it work isn't it Susan?