Brrrr returns – Watercolour in a Watercolour Moleskine
It snowed in many parts of the north of Scotland this week. The ski centres are “tentatively” open having closed a mere 140 days ago. This is the Aonach Eagach ridge on the east side of Glen Coe, an are to experience the first real snows of the winter. Although I haven’t been there, this season, this photo is based upon a summer photo I took a few years ago. I’ve been along this ridge once – never again. That was in good weather. I don’t fancy this in snow although the views are spectacular.
Last winter I attempted many snow scenes – my “Brrrr scenes”. I’m looking forward to more inspiration in the coming months.
This is a painting study reproducing the lovely work from a...
Kristina Reisinger 12:36 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
I am usually not a big fan of natural landscapes, but I really like this one. It’s calm and austere – to me, very evocative. I have skineart as my startup homepage – look at it everyday although have not contributed any work of my own (yet) and this is my first comment. I’m glad I saw this today.
arqetancourt 12:59 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
Es muy bello B0b!!
It is very beautiful B0b!!
che pablo 1:04 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
Thanks! This just became my new desktop background. The tension between the soft skies and the high contrast ridge is great. I also like how you say just enough to keep the viewer interested and the fadeouts of the four ridges.
Uncle Bob 1:33 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
Like anyone, I appreciate feedback but this – you are all too kind.
Kristina –
so glad you have chosen me to make your first comment and I am glad you like this. Please let us see some of your stuff soon. I look forward to it. If you wish, visit the forum section “Introduce yourself”
http://www.skineart.com/forums/topic.php?id=17
of this site and let us know some of your background. Its always good when newcomers do this and its great when folks make use of the forums.
Arqetancourt –
como siempre que son siempre muy amables en sus comentarios sobre mis cosas y, viniendo de un artista tan talentoso como a ti mismo esto es doblemente apreciado.
as ever you are always too kind when commenting on my stuff and, coming from such a talented artist as yourself this is doubly appreciated.
Finally Che -
What can I say? Fame at last to be on the desktop of your computer. I am so flattered. Thank you so much.
arhitectul 3:44 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
Excellent light on the edge and the contrast with the sky that Che Pablo already mentioned. The mountain imposes majesty. I like it very much.
Marco Nepomuceno 4:58 pm on November 16, 2010 | #
One day I will learn to draw skies just like you.
Uncle Bob 2:47 am on November 17, 2010 | #
I am pleased that you like this, arhitectul. Yes, the ridge is impressive in real life with parts around 3000 ft above sea level and only a few feet wide giving a fantastic feeling of exposure. Not sure I would want to climb along this now as I’m a lot older than my last attempt in 1966. Thank you for taking the time to send this comment.
@ Marco. Skies are really simple once the basics are sorted out. I find that the best way to paint them is in watercolour or ink both onto a wet surface. I use one of those “Plant Pot Misting” things to wet the paper and then drop different colours in. Its important to get the correct consistency of paint and this might give you some ideas. Some time ago I posted my thoughts on different techniques in a forum topic “Sharing techniques with others” which is hard to find as it has dropped off the “leader board” on this web site. The link is:
)
http://www.skineart.com/forums/topic.php?id=36#post-139
This will give you some idea of how I think about my skies. The main thing is to experiment and use whatever colour you fancy. In real life, nature displays all manner of colours which most folk don’t seem to notice. Its just when you really look that you see they are there. Have a go. You have nothing to loose – except a sheet of paper (stretched onto a flat board of course
martinsdoodles 4:23 am on November 17, 2010 | #
Nicely done Bob.
Candace 11:16 am on November 17, 2010 | #
Uncle Bob the Aonach brrr is so beautiful! My family tree goes back to Scotland but I fear the beautiful paintings are as close as I will get. Thank you for sharing.
Uncle Bob 1:32 pm on November 17, 2010 | #
Thanks Martin. Good of you to comment.
Uncle Bob 1:41 pm on November 17, 2010 | #
This is so kind of you, Candace. I’m glad you like this. I try to publicise my country in almost anything I paint and am always pleased when my stuff “Works” with other people. I couldn’t see where you are from by looking in the forum http://www.skineart.com/forums/topic.php?id=17
But, if you look at my entry, on the first page, you will see that I am always pleased to meet folks who actually make it to Scotland. Some of us, who contribute on the site, also “chat” by using Skype so you COULD be closer than you actually think. One of these guys is actually visiting from the USA in January
http://www.skineart.com/forums/topic.php?id=98
so maybe you might make it one day.