In the back of my mind, I had the idea of another version of a watercolor sketch I did a week or so ago. I was pleased with the outcome, but felt I could do a better job, particularly with the background.
Today’s watercolor experiment:
Today, I just worked on the background. I began with the greens at the bottom of the paper, which I pre-wetted. I used Shadow Green (Holbein), Chrome Green (Holbein) at first. In the top part of the picture plane, I used cerulean blue, which I applied lightly.
Glazing
I used watercolor paper with a rough finish to see how multiple layers of paint would interact with the grain.
After thorough drying, I used viridian green (Winsor Newton) as a glaze on the green half of the sketch and Prussian blue on the top part. Prior to drying, I accidentally spilled my green wash on the painting. It didn’t seem to matter since the effect disappeared with subsequent washes. I glazed the bottom with Lemon Yellow (Sennelier) and the top again, with Prussian blue.
After complete drying, I overlaid another viridian green glaze on the previous lemon yellow on the bottom portion of the picture. Before that dried, I applied streaks of lemon yellow in the mid-foreground region.
I am not sure where this is going yet. I was toying with the idea of removing paint by means of an ‘elephant ear’ sponge and painting forms (perhaps a telephone pole, as in the previous sketch) that would project into the foreground. I have not found a way to paint a contrasting, or lighter color on top of an underlying watercolor base so that the contrast will still be present when it dries. I don’t think this is possible.
Considering that my watercolor sketches are experiments, there is no harm in trying either or both techniques. Live and learn, I always say.
I like this just as it is, it’s very Monet
Thanks, Chez! I think I will leave it alone at least for a while. Do you think I should add goldfish and lily pads?
best,
Jack
No, I don’t think so! Leaving it ambiguous and free-form like this gives the viewer more ability to develop their own interpretation – which is evident in the comments!
You’re probably right. Goldfish and lily pads in a different painting.
;>)
j
Yes I like it as it is too. Very Steiner…
To which Steiner do you refer, Liz? Not sure if I know the work. As I mentioned to Chez, I will probably let it be for now.
best,
Jack
Rudolf Steiner educational philosopher; the practice in Steiner kindergartens is to produce art work which looks not dissimilar to your just background (using damp paper and three colours only however).
Ah, kindergarten… Things are coming full circle.
j
Beautiful, looks like water in a pond or sea! If we lived closer I would show you some different ways to remove paint. Keep going!
Thanks Kathryn. I’m not sure what I’m going to do with this. I’ll probably set it aside for a while and think about it. Will keep you posted.
best,
Jack