Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sketching for painting


Not acceptable as a contribution to the drawing challenge I know. I have been concentrating on composition of late and watercolour techniques (as always) and my sketching has been directed towards that end. I find it useful to make a simple sketch , or often, more than one, until I feel that I have the right composition for me. it also helps me focus and think about what I want to do in the painting, the technique to use, the values, what mood I want to express etc. So this is an example of the kind of sketching I indulge in. I admit it is not a pretty sight but for me, very useful. This is the result of 2 days work, not continuously, but interspersed with other projects, gardening, walks and many cups of tea. Now to paint it! Therein lies the problem. If only it will turn out the way I picture it!

5 comments:

  1. Colleen, yes, it is acceptable for the drawing challenge, it is a drawing. I am so pleased that you are drawing/sketching, and if you want to post your work, please do..

    I think your roses are going to look fabulous painted. I could be wrong, but I count six roses in your composition. It is a good idea to keep your subjects in the odd numbers. Even numbers seem to stop the viewers eye dead. We count the even number and that is that. :D

    I hope you post your painting for us too. You can do a wip if you like..:)

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  2. I agree with JJ...this is sketching "whatever you feel like" so it definitely qualifies. Can't wait to see the painting!

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  3. I'm always out of step too, Colleen so I'm happy when someone else says they are too. I think it's just important to keep offering an expression.

    A composition like this is going to go off the sides of the paper, when I do that I look to keep one side clear. That is, everything contained on that side, no leaves or branches going off on that one side.

    In the plant I just posted, the right side is the clear side. Also, to not have all your flowers full blown, maybe even a dead one in there!

    Looks like a fun project, I'm excited for you!

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  4. Thanks everyone for your encouragement. I'll keep your words in mind. JJ there are some partially hidden flowers there, not easy to count. Fookie, I'll watch the sides and edges. I will be travelling slowly with this one.

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  5. It's a bit like spot the flowers ....you really have to looks for them ....but they are there .... looking forward to seeing the painting Colleen!

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