This first sketch is from morguefile again. I love that site! It is great for reference photos (in the free photos section)for when I'm not out and about. I wish I hadn't sketched in the creases of her jacket in ink, though. I guess we do learn from experience! It is sketched in my micron 03 pen in a regular drawing (dry media) sketchbook. And actually, I think I like the way this one takes watercolor.
This one is quite messy. It was done very small and for some reason I failed to switch to a smaller brush! It just didn't occur to me. Then I painted her face too red and had to lift some of the color out. Another learning experience! This is from a personal photo, though I won't go into who it's supposed to be because I don't want to offend the parent with this poor sketch! It is sketched in pencil and done on 140lb w/c cold-pressed paper which I made into a pamphlet-style sketchbook. I'm having a terrible time finding a sketchbook that takes w/c in a way that I like! Any suggestions are welcome!
Raena;
ReplyDeleteThese are fabulous watercolors. I absolutely love the rider and his horse. Great job.
You have a very wide range of ability. I never know what I will see in your blog. Even the ones you don't like are really nice. Keep painting. I enjoy them.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely. I like the look in the little guy's eyes. And trust me there is absolutely nothing wrong with green....my favorites too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to morguefile. What a great site. I appreciate all of your help. Too bad you can't write my about me section for me. I am blocked. And I have known me all my life ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour sketches continue to amaze me. They are very good!
How funny - one of the first things that caught my eye were those shadows - and I thought they were great! Love the pine cone too.
ReplyDeleteYou do great with human faces in watercolour! oh, you don't like the moleskine watercolour book? I've been using that and kinda like the long page of each spread, can creat some interesting composition:)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments! I was kind of "iffy" on whether to post the picture of the baby. You are a boon to my self-esteem!
ReplyDeleteSandy, I don't actually have the watercolor moleskine, I have the sketchbook version. I can't seem to find it anywhere near me. I guess I could order one online, I just haven't done it yet.
Donna, you're using your "about me" section as an excuse! Look around, a lot of us don't have anything written for that! I couldn't think of anything to say either, so I just said I'd take care of it later! Never have, but it doesn't stop me from posting!
These are terrific! You should probably find loose WC paper you like, then bind a journal for yourself. I do that, and am MUCH happier. Green is my favorite color too! Never too much green-the color of life!
ReplyDeleteI tend to choose a lot of green clothes and things too. Your watercolors are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love the drawing in picture number one. Horses are really hard to get right, and you molded him well with the watercolor shading. I think your second picture is great, whether it is a likeness or not. I don't think there is anything wrong with using a large brush for small drawings. Details sometimes get in the way. I like the texture as well.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, speaking of your paper problem, there's a link that tells how to rebind a Moleskine with watercolor paper you prefer: http://www.trumpetvine.com/sketchblog/moleskine-reloaded
ReplyDeleteRaena
ReplyDeleteFirst, I'm glad you did the shadows in ink - it gives another look, and this is terrific! Had you not said, I'd have assumed you chose this style for the horse-rider. Works great!
And I agree, you captured expression and proportion in the child's portrait, with a softness. Before I began my adventure with colored pencils, I worked a bit with 300 lb watercolor paper and the difference was amazing. It accepts watercolors beautifully. When I next purchased a large sheet (to be cut down) I mistakenly got 140 and hated it. Try heavier paper. Interested to know how that works for you.
Green is my favorite color too Raena! ^^ Or to be more specific, Olive green(or the Chinese usually call it duck-shit-green)
ReplyDeleteI really like the rider's drawing, I know that my Fiancee would love to draw something like that since she absolutely loves every single part of a horse... not too sure about the dungs but I think she wouldn't mind those either since she'd like to get a horse someday.
I know how hard it is to draw a baby's face, especially with water color because you can't really have the similar control as pencils. But that's a very valuable piece in my opinion, and the parents would be so happy if they see it.
Oh yea Raena, most of my stuff are in my sketchbook anyway, so I will be keeping them for a long time yes ^^ Thanks again!
Oh yeah, I forgot about your question about watercolor paper. I am not sure and I haven't tried it yet, but Danny Gregory himself suggested Moleskine watercolor books, I believe they came out with bigger versions too which is called Folio.
ReplyDeleteThis is the normal ones which Danny Gregory uses:-
http://www.moleskineus.com/reporter-large-watercolor.html
This is the new and bigger ones:-
http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-folio-watercolor-a4-album.html
http://www.moleskineus.com/moleskine-folio-watercolor-a3-album.html
Good luck!
raena, you are exactly right about the excuse. I will add another post and send my blog address to the group later today. Thanks for calling me on it! FYI, I just ordered Art and Fear from my library Friday. I plan on reviewing it on my new blog!
ReplyDeleteFantastic, Raena! The equestrian rider is my favourite from this set.
ReplyDeleteNice work Raena. In my eyes you know what watercolor is meant to be.
ReplyDeleteWell, I love that view of the horse. Seriously, that's a tough angle and you did it with talent and precision! Excellent job.
ReplyDeleteThe painting of the baby looks free and spontaneous. Just how it should be.