Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Feather Series - Variety Study



A Variety of Feathers - Study

8x5in watercolor and graphite on paper  NFS

Another friend from the Artists Guild came in with
a bag of the most wonderful assortment of feathers.
Karen Curry - thank you... thank you!

Artist Note
I used one of those spiky flower holders - frogs- to
hold the feathers as I observed them.
I started the exploration of the different textures and
shapes with the mechanical pencil and then I moved
into a pale watercolor wash. Before it was dry I
began using the wonderful AQUARELLE GRAPHITE
pencils and white Caran D'Ache-Pas ll,  water soluble
crayon/pastel. Now I want to figure out how to make
a painting from this. I am sure you all agree,
what works as as a drawing does
not always transition well in paint.


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18 comments:

  1. It 's so nice to follow the evolution of the subject, in the hands of an artist ... It is as be present in your studio, and talk to you,dear Julie..
    I admire the three-dimensionality of each of your work
    with any materials drawn or painted.
    (I agree that the subject, whatever it is, as has its own personality that sometimes can be expressed in both drawing and painting, or with just one of these possibilities.)

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  2. beautiful! wonderful detail and texture!

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  3. I love this study, it's monochrome colors, the composition and textures. You are definitive on the right path.

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  4. Variety IS the spice of life. The different designs present compositional challenges.

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  5. I have no doubt you will make a masterpiece. Also, forgot to mention Bonnie loves hot tea, (warm tea for him) usually, Earl Grey. The feather series continues to be a fascination.

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  6. Another beautiful blend of materials and your creative eye! The washes mixed with details make for an excellent expression for feathers.

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  7. This has such an "old masters" feeling to it - perhaps because it is monochromatic. I can't wait to see if you try it in oil!

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  8. just lovely! every one of these feather paintings/drawings are beaauuutiful!

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  9. Your sketch shows enormous observation. I love the different patterns in the feathers and range of values. It's a beautiful path you are following.

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  10. Your feather series is truly amazing, Julie! I find it hard to believe that you couldn't transition a drawing to painting. Somehow I think your fine hand could make a silk purse from a sow's ear. These are stunning!

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  11. You really get the feeling of the texture of the feathers here , just awesome !

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  12. Julie - if anyone can make this drawing into a painting it will be you. Wow the feathers are gorgeous. Sometimes drawings are great pieces of art as well - this one certainly is. Julie read back over your comments "Favorite Hymn" - just wanted to let you know my heart goes out to you - we didn't lose a child but we lost my husband's brother at 24 - it still lives with us thirty some years later...we like you would have been so lost without faith. He knows how to carry us through - and so it is "Well with my Soul". God Bless you.

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  13. These feather studies have been truly fascinating! I'm enjoying watching this evolution- you are always inspiring me to try new things! I'm ever grateful that you share your thoughts & insights on this blog!

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  14. This series tickles me:) Can't want to see how you translate this into oils!

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  15. A beautiful blend, Julie, of shapes, textures and patterns. What a perfect find of subject matter with your feather series.

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  16. Nice composition and i like the technique for the feathers, Makes the softness come through!

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  17. The feathers are so delicate. Your drawing/painting is lovely and how to express this in oil will certainly be a challenge......but you can do it! I guess you just keep studying your subject and it all evolves. Great work my friend.

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  18. I'm really enjoying your feather series. A breath of fresh air.

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I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie