Often in the process of creating a watercolor
painting the artist does what is called, “laying down a wash.”
“For Brian” 13x19 in.
This means covering a large area of paper, as in
a sky or section of still water, with a pigment-water solution. Once a wash has begun it must be completed
without a pause so there will be a consistent layer of color.
During this time I won’t stop to answer phones,
questions or do anything else unless there is an obvious emergency. I even hesitate when there is a family crisis such as difficulty breathing or bleeding if I’m working on a big area that must be done all in one
passage. Timing is everything in a lot
of watercolor painting.
Waiting can also be important. In instances where I want to put one color
over another or right next to another the first color must be dry. Some artists use a hair dryer to speed things
up.
Detail of “Swan
Valley Farm” 8x10 in.
But this often prevents the heavier particles of
pigment from settling into the texture of the paper which causes a wonderful
variety of color. (More of my paintings for sale on my Etsy Site)
I use the waiting time to work on other things,
or, procrastinate. It’s also an excuse
to gaze out the window. I keep my camera
handy to record interesting items such as...
melting squirrels,...
tipsy squirrels...
and also
the coming and going of neighborhood feathered friends.
All the migrating birds have pretty much left by
November
so those stopping by are hardy creatures looking for a meal.
They are a great organic insecticide.
The woodpeckers not only hammer out the bugs
under the tree bark,
but also poke around in the lawn for grubs and
other crawly things.
Sometimes crows and magpies come by.
I get a kick out of how they stash their
finds in their mouth.
Magpies are a favorite of mine.
We had several different pet magpies when I
was growing up.
They are clever characters. Plus I like the contrast of their black and
white coats...
and the way sunlight shines through their wings.
Now I’ve frittered away enough time and have run
out of excuses.
So I’ll take a deep
breath, hope for success and do my wash.
You do such lovely work...and your photos are good as well. Magpies are beautiful birds. We don't have them here.
ReplyDeleteOh I love Magpies I wish we had them. I love the way you put in your time just the way I do. Your painting is so worth the waiting and watching. Beautiful You have way more patience than I . I guess that is why you are the artist and I am the farmer:) B
ReplyDeleteI'm so please to see your lovely magpie photos. My sister says her husband is a magpie; he picks up shiny things.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing autumnal flavors in your country. I love them.
ReplyDeleteI saw a squirrel stretched out that way for hours and hours this summer. I assumed it was dying. Later in the evening it was gone. I don't know if it recovered or got et. Thanks for the magpies. I love every member of their family but we don't get those particular cousins here.
ReplyDeleteOH wOw, i LOVE your 'for brian' watercolor!!! it's awesome!!!!
ReplyDeletei saw some watercolor artist on tv a couple of wks ago...using a hair dryer between colors...
looking out the window could be a little distracting...all those cute acrobatic squirrels, i just might head outside and start doing somersaults or climbing the trees. ha.
i wish we had those magpies here!! beautiful birds!! cool shots!!
happy saturday!
Your paintings are beautiful! That's some awesome talent! I love that squirrel photo! It makes me laugh! Nice shots of the magpies, too!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed all your pictures but I love the magpie the best!
ReplyDeleteLinda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com
The only thing I ever managed to do properly in school art classes was a wash!! As always I love your paintings .... and your squirrel photos!!
ReplyDeleteThose magpies are just beautiful. We don't have those here...
ReplyDeleteNow the SQUIRRELS. Fat li'l buggers at this time of year, aren't they? :-)
Pearl
Those paintings... you are SO talented! Love them.
ReplyDelete:-)
BB