This repository has a two fold purpose. One, to keep a record of the watercolor, water soluble oil and colored pencil pieces I paint and their evolution. Secondly, to maintain a record of my past, and possibly future, writings.

**All artwork and writings are copyright of author and may not be used without permission.**

14 October 2008

Macaws

This watercolor, I call "Macaws" (Original isn't it?), was done in art class between February 2005 and June 2005. Unfortunately I wasn't astute enough to bring a camera to class. Being new to watercolors and the process of glazing created a bit of tunnel vision while in class. Paint, paint, paint was my mantra. So here are the only photos I have of this piece.

Close-up of the tails...



A close-up of the heads and a wing...




And the finished painting...




We used a half sheet of Arches 300 lb paper and a basic red, blue and yellow palette. Glazing, layer upon layer of pigment, gives the colors a deeper luminescence that can not be found in one layer of pigment. Glazing involves the laying down of one coat of paint, allowing it to dry fully, then laying down another and another, with appropriate drying, until the depth of wanted color is achieved.

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2 comments:

Katherine and Pippa said...

The colours are lovely - just like the real things.

I also so enjoy the fact that you are adding each work to the sidebar as you write about them.

It's good to go down there and see them all again and look at the different subjects.

Kate

James said...

Thanks Kate,

This piece taught me a lot about glazing but was rather frustrating. A little too controlled for me at the time. But what did I know, having just started painting.

I thought a photo of each piece in the sidebar would give a different look, without all the fancy shading, etc. Thanks for the input.

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