Monday, October 10, 2011

WORKING UPSTREAM

Another watercolor finished with a fisherman in mind.
Using several photos for reference I drew up a value sketch 
at the size I wanted for the painting--10 inch by 14 inch.

I transferred the drawing to Arches watercolor paper, stretched it by wetting
and stapling it to gator board.  I protected the man and some highlights with
liquid masking and laid in a few green washes.

I added darks and details working mostly from back to front.

When most of the splashy part was done I removed the masking and went 
to work on details.
Final painting I'm calling "Working Upstream."  
Knowing fish almost always face into the current,a fisherman approaches a 
big rainbow trout's suspected location from directly downstream.

This painting and several others are available for purchase on my Etsy site--
Watercolors by Leenie.  Just click on the red icon upper left of this 
blog to see more...all at ridiculously low prices.
at

12 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlOctober 10, 2011 at 3:29 PM

    love the light! nicely done!

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  2. Terry and LindaOctober 10, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    I am so impressed with your work. I hope your store is very profitable for you!

    Linda
    http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
    http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. DebbieOctober 10, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    this is beautiful...you have mad talent!!

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  4. CarrieBooOctober 11, 2011 at 7:16 AM

    I love the combo of humour and artistic talent you've got going here, Leenie. You're brilliant! The rocks and water look sooo good. I definitely have to check out your store.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Weaver of GrassOctober 11, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    This is beautiful Leenie - thank you for showing us how you did it in easy stages.

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  6. snowwhiteOctober 11, 2011 at 10:50 AM

    Leenie,
    Leaves and stream are reflecting light, and beautifully shining. I feel as if I could see a big rainbow trout under water. I am always amazed with the process how to complete such a wonderful water-color painting. Your work is so exquisite!
    Best wishes,
    keiko

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  7. susan m hinckleyOctober 11, 2011 at 1:16 PM

    Just lovely! It's like watching magic to me to see the picture appear. Thanks for photographing the process as you go. BTW, my oldest daughter (the one with the very prestigious art degree) saw your painting in my house for the first time the other day and loved it! (High praise -- she doesn't always agree with my choices, so I thought you'd like to know.)

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  8. AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Full of admiration Leenie 'coz I just can't seem to manage watercolours. Wonderful to see the process.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Buttons ThoughtsOctober 11, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I am so amazed every time you explain this I know how difficult water colours are you do beautiful work. B

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  10. Butternut SquashOctober 12, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    I love your description of the process. Absolutely gorgeous work!

    ReplyDelete
  11. SarahOctober 12, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I love the light too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. CarlaOctober 12, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Your gift/talent amaze me. I guess we all have something, and you have found yours.
    Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete

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