Sunday, October 31, 2010

Jellyfish progress

I love watching jellyfish float along in the water.  It seems effortless and the colours reflected as light hits them through the water is beautiful.

The tentacles that stream below the jellyfish twist and turn trailing into lines from almost lace-like masses.  Forming the substance and nonsubstance that is a jellyfish is a challenge and will take time. 


I've worked more on this piece in oils, building form and starting to add depth with layers of glazing. Glazing is a slow process, as I need the initial layer to dry reasonably well before I can glaze without destroying what is beneath.   Transparent colours give best results but opaque colours, used sparingly in very thin coats will work for the first layers.  The paint used must be extremely thin, almost a tint so that it barely shows on the piece.  Some artists can use up to 20 glaze layers to achieve the effect they want.  I may be at this for awhile...

7 comments:

Jean Spitzer said...

It's building nicely. Glazing is slow, but beautiful.

Jeanette Jobson said...

It takes awhile Jean, but the process is somewhat soothing, odd as that sounds.

Lori-Lee Thomas said...

I LOVE the colors here. It looks so angelic. :-)

RH Carpenter said...

You've picked a difficult subject, but I know you'll make it look magical when you're finished.

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

This is a beautiful painting, I love the light on dark - dark on light play that you have going on, it's very subtle. I really like the viewpoint too. I can't wait to see more.

Jeanette Jobson said...

Blues are always so soothing aren't they Lori?

Rhonda, it makes me a little crazy at times for sure, but I'll get there eventually.

Thanks Lisa. The changes in light and colour are complex and subtle too. Its difficult to capture the light in this.

olivia said...

Wonderful idea Jeanette. I love this subject !