Old farm buildings – Gauche and Ink on a Watercolour Moleskine
I went for a walk in the clear, bright air this morning. Did some quick sketches by the side of the road and – it started to snow again. I think the the snow gods were lying in wait. Its no fun being out in this with passing motorists shaking their heads in disbelief and sympathy. The page was so wet I covered it with some old gauche I had forgotten about when I returned to a warm house. I just about think I’ve salvaged something from the day.
Linda Bachrach 7:42 pm on February 12, 2009 | #
This is gorgeous! I love the sky colors and the thick gouache on the landscape details. The feeling comes across very nicely.
Sophie Brown 1:36 am on February 13, 2009 | #
I don’t know how you got the sky done, but it seems very fluid and natural and as if you didn’t paint it at all. Those clouds in the picture with the (fenceposts, telephone poles? Something other than trees in a winterscape)–The clouds were entrancing, they looked real and not like a wash either. The background can add a lot to a painting. Usually you fail to notice but I think these are examples of “what to do”.
trebor61 2:55 am on February 13, 2009 | #
Linda – It does seem to have turned out OK. It seems better here than at my end. Perhaps Leo has some sort of magic process, and is being kind, helping duff stuff.
Sophie – the sky was done by re-wetting the page and dropping different , thinned inks onto it. As a result of its original soaking the page had lots of “hollows” and, perhaps this contributed to the way the ink settled before drying. Maybe I’ve discovered a new way of doing things?
trebor61 2:55 am on February 13, 2009 | #
PS Sorry – Thanks for commenting!
Margie 9:49 am on February 13, 2009 | #
so beautiful… and s-s-s-so c-c-cold…
trebor61 2:49 pm on February 13, 2009 | #
Nice sentiments, Margie. Thank you for this. I bet its a lot warmer where you are. (Atlanta?)
Margie 6:49 am on February 14, 2009 | #
It has just gotten barefoot-warm here. Very nice.
On this piece I love the sky, but also, the dark patch of earth and trees that surround and bring focus to the house. Did you do that consciously? It is a good way to focus the viewers’ attention. The white fence in the foreground balances it beautifully.
trebor61 10:52 am on February 14, 2009 | #
Yup! You found me out. I was always told to try to get some contrast into my stuff and I tend to do this with light and dark tones although I try to be aware of the way colours can complement each other – not always successfully