I was really in a watercolor mood this weekend -finished a few paintings, and started a few more. I guess that's what happens when I can stop being so consumed by baseball. My favorites, NY Yankees and SF Giants BOTH made it to the playoffs and that means a lot of games to watch. I have been a baseball fan for years, even sat through an earthquake at Candlestick Park during the 1989 World Series. Now that the World Series is over (WOO HOO-Giants!) I have more of my painting time back and my priorities are back in order.
I finished the bird nest painting. When I took the photo, I couldn't wait to paint it. I always have more painting ideas than time to paint them all! I enjoyed this watercolor, and liked it more and more as I got the layers of color on and the darker areas defined. I am not sure it has the depth I wanted, to really make the nest look like it is down into the rose bush. Who knows? I may go back to it after looking at it some more and seeing exactly what I need to add. I am kind of stumped as to what to call this watercolor. Any ideas out there? I never really named my paintings before- but since I started listing them on Etsy and learning about tags, I have started to see the importance of painting titles and descriptions. With gazillions of watercolors online, we need some way to get people to look!
I also started a few more wine cork paintings. I have more than a couple wine corks in jars at home, so my supply of corks to paint is kind of unlimited. I find them very interesting due to the detail and uniqueness of each one. Lots of nooks and crannies, grain lines and wine stains for a detail loving artist like myself to get into. Some of the labels on them are quite creative also. I have painted them small and larger, and using many different mediums. With oils on masonite, I can get the finest detail- but I also love the texture of the watercolor paper. This time, I wanted to do some corks larger than actual size. I drew these on 11X15 cold pressed, rough surface watercolor paper.
Thanks for looking!
Sheryl
Very nice painting, Sheryl.
ReplyDeleteIf you want the nest to appear even further below the leaves, paint a very strong shadow alongside one side of the leaf, where sun would cast a shadow. If it isn't in the photo, you'll have to make it up. But strong shadows give depth.
How about calling it: Hidden Beauty
Thanks, Pat! I thought about the shadow, but was afraid of going too far and not liking it. Now that you said the same thing...I will go and do that!
ReplyDeleteI also love your title!
Sheryl
The nest is very nice Sheryl!
ReplyDeleteOriginal sketch of opening the bottle! Good idea!
Ciao!
Grazie tanto, Franz! Hope I used that correctly!
ReplyDeleteCiao!
There are times I have had the same dilemma, Sheryl.
ReplyDeleteMy art tutor told me to make the shadow from non staining colours - that way if you really hate it, you can lift it out with a damp brush and a piece of kitchen towel.
Its been excellent advice - for good shadows really do make a painting!