This is my first watercolor with normal watercolors rather than the watercolor pencils. I used acrylic for the center of the flowers and the white parts. I like how the main flowers came out, but I'm not sure if I just should have left out the out of focus flowers. I put them in because I thought I would be able to do more justice to their out of focus-ness, and because otherwise it left a lot of negative space that I didn't like. This is also the first painting I'm actually giving to someone. It's my mom's birthday on Friday, and since she used to do quite a bit of drawing and painting and she's the one who gave me the watercolors, I though this would be a great gift. She's my mother, so hopefully she'll be okay with the fact that it isn't a Matisse. I really hope she likes it; I thought it would be a lot better than just giving her a card (she lives in Arizona).I loved painting this, I did lots of layers and ended up recruiting the paintbrushes I had originally bought (but never used) for acrylic over to watercolor. The photo doesn't quite show all the variation in the petals, but I don't have my USB cord for my camera and I didn't want to smoosh it on the scanner.
I've already observed that at least for my style right now, I definitely like the harder brushes rather than the softer ones, if that makes any sense. Ironically, the harder ones feel more fluid to me. I'm going to need to go brush shopping soon. I'll just add that to my ever expanding list.
I'd love a friendly critique, if anyone is willing to give one. I'm very, very new at this and would appreciate any advice on how to improve. (Other than practicing, which given how much fun I had doing this one, I don't think I'll have a problem with that)
Reeves watercolors (student grade)
Windsor and Newton Acrylic paints (yellow and white)
Arches 140# HP Br. White
6 hours (with dinner and other breaks included)
8 comments:
Hi Sarah;
This is an amazing painting for your very first one!!You did very well and I think this will be a great medium for you.
I'm still taking my first watercolour classes, as well as Kate's watercolour pencil class online. I like both media but they are very different in the results, aren't they?
Your Mom will love her Birthday painting! You'll have to tell us what she said. She's not going to see her gift on your Blog ahead of time - I hope??
Great work with the watercolor! Mine usually turn out looking blotchy and runny. It is a skill worth pursuing with lots of fun and energy! Keep at it.
Mark
Sarah, you've done a great first watercolor. There are so many things that are right. Have fun doing more!
If this your first try, I'll have to say you have a wonderful adventure ahead of you! Beautifully done...what a wonderful gift!
I think you did a fantastic job with this. Nice use of the acrylics with the watercolor. I had never thought of that.
The reason you like the stiffer brushes is that you use them with acrylics and the feel is different than the softer ones.
I'm sure your mother would be proud of this painting.
You have a nice distinction of the focus flower. Keep up the good work
Wonderful painting, and a great gift! Fun painting with that tube watercolor, isn't it!
The only bit of advice I would give you would be to get some artist grade watercolor paints in the tube before too long. You certainly deserve them! :-)
Wow beautiful painting!
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