Union Canal east of Ratho – Ink/Watercolour on a Watercolour Moleskine
It is possible to walk from Edinburgh all the way to Ratho, and beyond, along the canal tow path. This scene shows the approach to Ratho after the eight mile hike. Although I didn’t walk this far, yesterday, I joined the canal nearer home and was rewarded by a nice day, much warmer than of late. Even the snow has all gone and the temperature has risen to a tropical 12C. Spring MUST be on the way.
Margie 10:26 pm on February 17, 2009 | #
beautiful. The birds give it such an evocative tone!
Kristin 10:32 pm on February 17, 2009 | #
Your pieces are always so beautiful (I especially looooove the trees!) I have tried my hand at watercolors before and ended up with horrendous results. I think it’s a lack of patience. Maybe one day..
Rob 12:23 am on February 18, 2009 | #
Like I said before, your work is getting better all the time- keep going!
trebor61 2:59 am on February 18, 2009 | #
Margie, Kristin & Rob. Thanks for taking th time to send such encouraging comments.
Margie – To get some sense of scale, Its easier, for me, to put birds in than people (must get some “People drawing tips from you).
Kristin – Most of this scene was done with ink with final washes of watercolour so don’t be too hard on yourself. When I started painting I found great difficulty with skies and trees – the two essentials, in my opinion, for half decent landscapes. You are correct that patience plays a large part but also remember that YOU see every tiny blemish because YOU have been in front of your creation for a long time. Others might see your work for what it is or you hoped for. Ellicit others’ opinions. Folk are generally kind with constructive feedback (like those on this website) and this builds ones confidence. I’ve put some of my ideas on skies and trees in the “forums” section of this site (Sharing techniques with others) which might explain how I tend to go about things.
Rob – Your replies are always very welcome and, as I explained to Kristin, encourage me to try harder.
Andrew Stine 12:48 pm on February 18, 2009 | #
Gorgeous, watercolours can be so challenging. Beautifully composed.
roseindigo 1:58 pm on February 18, 2009 | #
Another lovely winter scene. I’m curious about what the colors are that you use for your washes in the “cold-looking” winter scenes.
Michael 9:20 pm on February 18, 2009 | #
I just wanted to say that I enjoy your watercolour sketches and the stories that you write. Keep up the good work. (Oh, and I’m glad that spring is on its way because the six foot snowbank in front of my house makes it feel like winter will never go away!)
trebor61 7:46 am on February 19, 2009 | #
Andrew – your kind words are very much appreciated.
Roseindigo – Glad you like this. I started to write some stuff but it bacame too large so I have posted it into the “forums section – “Sharing Techniques with others”". as I put stuff down I realised that this could become far too large so only described a few washes/techniques that I use. If you want, pick any of my paintings, or areas in them and I’ll be only too happy to share the ideas with you. Thanks again.
Michael – as I get older I detest snow more and more (I am past the building of snowmen days). I’m even gladder that we don’t have six feet of the stuff like you. Feel free to send for food and other supplies. Thrilled that you like my sketches with their descriptions
Kindest regards all – Bob
roseindigo 9:02 pm on February 19, 2009 | #
Thanks for the info Bob. I never even realized there was a discussion forum with techniques here because my computer is so slow and I never seem to get past the amazement of the gorgeous art work I see here. But I read it and think I will try some of your techniques.
By the way, the name roseindigo was chosen deliberately because I LOVE indigo in the shadows when I do colored pencil work, and sometimes even for watercolors with other shadow colors infused into the wet indigo wash. It’s my favorite blue!