I'm really enjoying these new brushes, especially the da Vinci Maestro! What a lovely feeling it has! This top one is based on one of our family favorites, a black and white photo of my dad. I guess he was about four or so. I began with a pencil sketch, adding the watercolor; but, I didn't like it for some reason, so I added the ink. I didn't spend a lot of time fussing with the sketch and probably could have focused a little more on the hands, but I like it. It would be worth revisiting for a more serious painting sometime.
This one is from imagination. I love the feel of the brushes so much that I picked one up and just started putting down some color. This is what came out. No pencil first and only added a few lines when it was done: a line separating the lips, two dashes for nostrils, and lines defining the eyes. May be a few anatomical errors, but it was actually fun to go in without the pencil. It felt more like I was sculpting her face, than drawing it. The results surprised me, and I may try doing this more often.
I'm really enjoying these new brushes, especially the da Vinci Maestro! What a lovely feeling it has! This top one is based on one of our family favorites, a black and white photo of my dad. I guess he was about four or so. I began with a pencil sketch, adding the watercolor; but, I didn't like it for some reason, so I added the ink. I didn't spend a lot of time fussing with the sketch and probably could have focused a little more on the hands, but I like it. It would be worth revisiting for a more serious painting sometime. 
This one is from imagination. I love the feel of the brushes so much that I picked one up and just started putting down some color. This is what came out. No pencil first and only added a few lines when it was done: a line separating the lips, two dashes for nostrils, and lines defining the eyes. May be a few anatomical errors, but it was actually fun to go in without the pencil. It felt more like I was sculpting her face, than drawing it. The results surprised me, and I may try doing this more often.
I really like these, Raena,
ReplyDeleteI wish you lived closer. I think it would be fun to have an art day with you.
xoxo
Both these are excellent works! I'm impressed by the second, I've never made a watercolour without pencil, your result is encouraging me to give a try!
ReplyDeleteGreat work! I just read an interview with R. Crumb and he says he regrets not continuing early on to work with brushes. Apparently it took him four years to illustrate the book Genesis and he felt like if he had used brushes instead of a pen, he could have completed it sooner.
ReplyDeleteWow!! I think these are both great! I love the kid - love it. Children are so hard to draw and the expression, even the hands, are excellent! I'm very impressed with the second too - painting the values with no outlines shows just how far you've come.
ReplyDeleteNow I have questions: how big are these pictures, and what size brushes did you use? What size Da Vinci maestro did you get? I am sold. My number 1's are shot (because I often do small stuff), so I want to replace them for sure.
Both are great--I love the one of your dad.
ReplyDeleteooohhh...tomorrow is watercolour wednesday on my blog..and I still don't have any clue what I will post about..but this is food for thought! I love what you've done here in both pieces!
ReplyDeletethe colour tones are fantastic and adding the ink lines really makes the top one pop! I do that too...and it' is a great painting!
have more fun with your new brushes! the bliss is really coming through in your work!
ciao bella
creative carmelina
xoxo
Hi Raena, Isn't just playing with the brushes fun? You've done an wonderful job with both of them. I'm most impressed with the drawing from memory; you've remember quite a bit!
ReplyDeleteFantastic paintings! I really want to try painting faces without pencil sketches too but am scared. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThese are lovely! Especially the one of your Dad - What a lovely keep-sake! I like the ink over the top too :0)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blends of colors, and I gotta agree DaVinci brushes are pretty darn well made =)
ReplyDeleteThe best investments are always those that make you happy.
Both lovely -particularly the colours- but I must admit I really like the soft painterly effect of number two.
ReplyDeleteLovely Raena!!
ReplyDeleteOh I really like the top one, it reminds me of when my son was about that age and he tried to drink out of a soda bottle (it was so funny). I like the serious look of your dads face and how he is concentrating on the drink. Nice work and the bottom painting is nice too and I can tell you had fun with it (I like how the colours are working together, and it turned out so well without a plan).
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are so expressive, but I think the talent is in YOU more than the brush. Yet you do make me think about investing in a new brush . . .
ReplyDeleteLove the colours and style of painting in both of these. The picture of your father is lovely.
ReplyDeleteFirst attracted by the whimsical one of the little boy - I also love the imaginary lady. I see that your new tools are inspiring you!
ReplyDeleteWow, these look so good. Has your dad seen the painting?
ReplyDeleteNow I want to order new brushes. That will have to wait, I am afraid.
Wow. I think these are fabulous, two very different effects with the pen and without the pencil. I'm not familiar with the brush, but it sounds like it would be fun to try. What size paper are you working on?
ReplyDeleteWow! You know, I'm often blown away by your technique and style - well, once again, here I am (blown away ^^). Great portraits. Love the linework on the first one, the shadow work, and the way the light touches the characters, on both.
ReplyDeleteImpressive, that you can do these from a photo and imagination! The photo based work is lively, and not dull and flat at all like many photo based pieces, and the portrait is so nice and painterly.
ReplyDeleteAh. There's nothing better than finding a new brush that works for you. And all the stuff you are going to do with it. The weight in your hand, it's give on the paper, just the right bristles. It is a truth universally acknowledged... by me anyway.
ReplyDeleteVery well done, Raena. Like both of them though the first one is my favorite. Love it!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, what kind of brushes are those? And, where did you buy them?
Thanks for the information ;)
I'm glad the brushes inspire you but I think you are inspired anyway!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I especially like the one of your father as a boy. Reminds me of an illustration. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThese are great Raena - so nice to see you growing, learning and inspiring many along your journey. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteBoth portraits are wonderful! I love how you add ink on the first one. Great colors!
ReplyDeleteyou should continue working with watercolors, u have a natural talent for that, both good works, contragts :D
ReplyDeleteYour style is so fluid. I love the painting of your father. The ink adds the right amount to definition. Beautiful.
ReplyDelete