November 30, 2010

Autumn glow

30x43cm (12"x17"), Arches 300gr (140lb) Cold pressed

This is my last exercise from the book "Watercolor Tips and Techniques". Do you see it on the book's cover? My favorite lesson. Actually, I bought the book when I saw this painting of Barry Herniman (link), wanted to know how he did the autumn sunlight THAT beautiful.

Now I know. The main word of the lesson is "spattering". Another often used expression "spray with water". And "pour colors". So first you pour, then spray (from right up to left down, getting this sun-blind effect. Next layer is "spattering and blending on paper".
And paper. It can be able to hold all the water layers. Arches could perfectly.
never knew that "step by step" lesson can be so free and unpredictable.

November 29, 2010

The old man

25x18cm (10"x7") 60lb sketch paper

Very quick sketch I did yesterday while waiting for the paper to dry during my "step by step" exercise. The "step by step" is still in the process, but this old man is ready to be posted in the blog.
I experimented here with cool/warm colors. Paper (60lb) said "No!" when it realized I not only planned to draw, but also to add watercolors to this face.

November 26, 2010

My first postcards

10x15cm (approx.4"x6") each

I explored the art store in Helsinki and found there the nice 30 sheets set of Hahnemuhle watercolor paper, postcard size (It is here, not very good for watercolor, to my point of view, easy buckling when meets water, but restores shape when dry).. The back side is lined as post card and the front side is open for imagination.
My first 4 experiments with handmade postcards and the paper are here today.
Yellow tree is from imagination, apples and green trees are from photos, the sea is the copy of  fantastic Arnold Lowrey watercolor (link to his site)

November 20, 2010

Sketchbook pages

25x17cm Strathmore sketchbook

How do you survive when the daily routine does not leave you time for drawing and painting? So hard for me. It feels like the magic potion starts to boil inside, becoming bigger and bigger. And you HAVE TO draw or you will be blasted from inside.
I was so glad to do these sketches. The process made me quiet and happy.
The first is based on photo reference from challenge at Wetcanvas (link) few years ago.

The second one is my impression of "Kolomenskoe" park in Moscow on wet cloudy day. I also add some photos of the place.

And the third one is my tribute to the orchid on the windowsill. Why tribute? Because the orchid is still here but not for long (because it does not like my place - in the room is too cold, in the bathroom is too hot, the day is too short, the water is too much but not too often). But it is always like that. I already wrote about my complicated relationship with flowers)))
Kolomenskoe, 16-18th century
Perfect-perfect-perfect
 

November 9, 2010

In the Mood for Autumn


This quick sketch and photo was done at my parents' place, near Moscow.
I am hooked by outdoor drawing, when light, colors and shapes make the best drawing model. Hopefully, the weather will stay considerably warm. Otherwise I have to wait so long, as the watercolors dry so slowly when it cold...
I wanted so much to lie down on this grass bed, but did not))

November 4, 2010

Sketching and Listening


Last Saturday I was returning from my drawing class and felt I wanted more. So when I stopped to take photos for Moscow Daily Photoblog (here) I realized I had to sketch this beautifully composed scene.
What I did not realize? That it was cold outdoors and that the architects of 18th century knew a lot about the decoration and details. So one hour later I was completely frozen and very disappointed by the number of small stuff appearing in every building))). And as I was moving from one part of the sketch to the other I used so many ... exclamations, but did not stop (crazy artists!). What can I say today? I did not get cold. And I am happy with the result.

My other sketch was done the same day, during the Concert of Russian group, which performs songs by Sri Chimnoy (wiki), and do it so very heartily. I embed Youtube, they are really nice musicians.


PS It looks like they need a decorator to improve the signboard..
PSS Drawing people is a huge problem for me. But I know how to draw a drum!

November 2, 2010

Step-by-steps from the Manual



These two pieces are my attempts to follow the instructions of Barry Herniman (link) in the watercolor manual.

What did I learn?

First, he puts the layer of washes all over the paper. He uses very strong colors and mixes them on paper. Somehow (this is secret for me) he avoids mud. He adds colors to select objects as the second layer (barns, wooden or stone structures of the buildings). And he outlines the details as the third layer. So simple and so beautiful. As it turns in his paintings, at least)).

Second, I need to start the notepad, where to write about the color mixes and little secrets (which are obvious, but very easy to forget). For example do you know that sky between the branches of the trees should be done in darker color then the sky above the trees? Now I know.

My next book waiting is J.Dobbie's "Making Color Sing" and and I am anticipating the pleasure))
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