Personal Art Blog

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

Monday, September 29, 2014

Watercolor Changes - day 29 in the Challenge




Sunflowers and Pomegranates
13x10" watercolor on Yupo paper
unfinished

Day 29

Artist Note.

On yesterday's post I mentioned how I had just
been given some fresh pomegranates and
would like to TRY adding one to this painting.
It is on Yupo and it's plastic surface makes it easy
to lift off a previously painted area  See below

I formed the shape I wanted with a 
damp paper towel. I also removed the sunflower
 resting at the bottom of the jar.
Next I placed the actual pom in the position
I thought would be best


Naturally... and I know you will ALL understand this...
other changes then started to happen. 
It seems pretty impossible to make a change 
without the eye noticing all the other areas
 effected by the new shape and color.
Also it is a sunny day and my set up
appeared much brighter.
One back pear disappeared.
The jar became slightly wider
A cooler blue was added - so much for 
limited palette! Other colors and shapes
changed too.
(I do enjoy a warm and cool of each primary.)
I sharpened up some edges 
and softened others.
Below is the one before the changes



I have to live with this new version for a while
to see how I feel about it.
I do know I am glad that I tried the pom addition.
Bit more energy.




29 comments:

  1. I love the older version but the newer painting is an explosion of energy...my eye wants to take in all the colors.It also recedes more, I love the set up too!
    I wonder if it is necessary to fix the paint to the Yupo paper,if all you need is a damp paper towel to remove the pigment?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks. I like them both but today with the sun out I enjoy the brighter colors. I wax mine to protect it but I know plenty of artists who spray it lightly with several coats of varnish. This is for when you frame it without glass. nothing is needed I guess for regular watercolor type mats, glass and frame. I hope you try it.

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  2. I like them both.
    But my favorite is the last version for the beautiful colors, the energy.
    an happy painting :)

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    1. Hi Martine - thanks for the visit. You and I are both into color. I like the way you used the primaries in your latest painting

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  3. I agree, the Pom completes the comp. Every action prompts a reaction--and so on till the soul is satisfied. And that's when paintings are finished. This is really a colorful near finali to the 30 day challenge. Energetic explosion of color. Beautiful.

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    1. It feels good when you understand, Linda. I think you have an intellectual curiosity about your own artistic development and are willing to break some of those so called rules. I try to paint from my heart as well as my head.

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    2. I forgot to mention how impressive it is to see the wonderful freely painted boy next to your contour drawing.

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  4. Yes, lots more energy. It is just a different painting for me and every bit as wonderful as the first one. You just keep teaching us and opening doors. Thank you.

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    1. Hi Helen - how nice you are - thank you!
      Yes, I agree...it is a different painting. has to be because I was responding to different lighting conditions and a new focus.
      Your barn is another great abstraction. You do them so well.

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  5. Excellent piece...I like the added Pomegranate...your talent amazes me every time, Julie!!!

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Hilda. I like the way your personal taste is very eclectic... broad. I see it in your own work and what you comment on. You are great!

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  6. Julie, I also love them all, but the pomegranate is a great addition to the composition. I agree with Hilda, you"re talent amazes me as well. Thank you sharing your process.

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    1. Thaanks for the lovely complement, Joan. I am so happy I found your work Joan. I am looking forward to following your green series

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  7. It was beautiful before too, but actually the present version holds much more life to it , the addition of the pomegranate and blue in the background is just great !

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    1. Thanks Jane - nice you agreed about more life to it.
      Your abstract is a stunner. I feel I see melons?

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  8. Amazingly stunningly beautiful, Julie!

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    1. Hi Sherry - glad you popped by. You are always very supportive and I really do appreciate it. I know how hard you are studying at the moment.

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  9. Thank you so much for always teaching me. I love it both ways.

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    1. You are so nice, Sharon, thanks. I loved your painting and story of the daisy.

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  10. I have enjoyed your ART!
    The challenge has been a very good experience...I hope our paths cross, again.
    All the best with your lovely work!

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    1. I have enjoyed yours, too, Sue. Pretty amazing work. Our paths will cross - I am not the type to let go of what I like...and I like your art.

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  11. Dear Julie - I like both of them. Loved the colors that you chose for the first one and then all those lovely blues made the second one really jump. See how fickle we viewers can be (LOL)! Hooray - the last day of the challenge - bet you are ready for a break by now!! Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Good observation, Debbie. It was the new blue which I liked and needed.
      Yes - I am ready for a break. The discipline - it does take away the ability to be creative in some areas.
      Loved your watercolor with the butterfly.

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  12. This post was a mini workshop! I like both versions but the second is the winner. Thank you Julie.

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    1. You always have an uplifting attitude, Blanche, I thank you for sharing it.

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  13. Replies
    1. Thank you Chris and I find your work unique and stunning also.

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  14. You are one treasure house Julie, I hope I will sit with you one day and watch you play with your colors :-)

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    1. Dear, dear, Padmaja. What a wonderful thought...sitting together and playing with colors. I admire your colors so much. Red next to the green in the one on your blog for example.

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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