I was up before the snow flew this morning and finished off the tiny watercolour portrait that I started last night. I don't think I could work on this scale for long periods and its a lot more challenging that you first think. I seem to want to fill the space and over run it, fearing that I'll never get it all in, which I usually don't.
I am starting a drawing for a new portrait. I have the face blocked in, but need to work out a background now and that may take a little research. It will be another watercolour on 300lb Arches paper. I always feel a surge of excitement starting a new piece. There is something amazing to see a face appear out of a sheet of white paper.
I also played around with some photos using old-but-new blocks that I ordered after seeing some of Neil Hollingsworth's paintings using them. I asked him where he found the blocks and he let me know, so I ordered some of these rather sweet reproductions for myself. I just need to get some natural light to paint or draw them. The mornings are too dark to see a thing before I head to work.
I have so many ideas in my head and they sometimes come out in a jumble with projects and pieces all vying for attention. One at a time. Mostly.
11 comments:
Wow, amazing portrait for such a small size. Awesome!
I agree with Jo!
It is a strong portrait for such a small space :) It looks much bigger. Do you think your background in oil painting had led you to paint watercolor portraits in your style - almost an oil painting style of dabbing on the paint? Whatever it is, I love it and am trying to get some of that look into my watercolors - so far, it's a losing battle but I'll keep going.
Thanks Jo and Jan. Some I win, some I lose :)
Rhonda, I have very different styles in painting and drawing. In drawing, I tend to usually be very tight and controlled, with high realism. But once I get a paintbrush in my hand, I naturally gravitate towards an impressionistic style which is very loose. I rarely blend anything, but let the layers sit on top of each other. Hard and soft edges do their own thing without a lot of guidance from me.
I agree with the comments above. I love this.
I don't usually comment on portrait work because I feel it's so personal....weird, I know...but this really turned out well, Jeanette so I wanted to let you know. I love your loose approach with the paint.:)
Thank you Peggy.
Billie, I guess I don't look on portraiture in the way, as to me, its not a personal thing. Its just like creating any other subject and in fact, the less I know a person, the better it works out sometimes.
Where did Neil get the blocks. I saw his painting of his and really liked them too.
Ebay Jeanne. There's a woman there who produces them. Just do a search and you'll find them.
Spectacular portrait, Jeanette! I love how this came out - really nicely done.
I really have to agree - an amazing portrait. And I would say that anyway, even if I wasn't the subject. What a wonderful surprise! And such an honour, as I have always admired your work. Thanks again, Jeanette!
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