I found the picture in a watercolour book, I can't remember which one, but I scanned it in. Format about 25x33. Watercolour paper 300grams. 4 shades of blue and 1 purple (I can look them up if you want). For the first layer I thorougly wetted the paper and (just after the water shimmering is gone) I let the ceraleum blue and red flow freely. Then, later, while the paper was not completely dry, I added 3 layers of differnt blues to suggest the stones. The next day, after the paper had dried, I spat drops of colour on it, using an old toothbrush. The fish were done with inktense pencils washed out with some water, because of the vibrant colours. Sounds like a lot of work, but the definitive version cost me about 2 1/2 hours. But to be honest I did 2 compete tries before this one before I got the timing right. You should try it as well!
Great work and technique, Rene. Thanks for the explanation. I am still trying to figure out what to do with watercolors, and even trying to play around with gouache, which I find very interesting as well.
It's always nice to experiment, almost like a trip to unknown territories. Yesterday I used soft pastel for the first time in a drawing, I always disliked the material, but I was surprised by the result. Something totally different came out, sometimes the material leads you to new roads.
6 comments:
Beautiful image, Rene. What's the size of this piece, and what materials did you use here?
I found the picture in a watercolour book, I can't remember which one, but I scanned it in. Format about 25x33. Watercolour paper 300grams. 4 shades of blue and 1 purple (I can look them up if you want). For the first layer I thorougly wetted the paper and (just after the water shimmering is gone) I let the ceraleum blue and red flow freely. Then, later, while the paper was not completely dry, I added 3 layers of differnt blues to suggest the stones. The next day, after the paper had dried, I spat drops of colour on it, using an old toothbrush. The fish were done with inktense pencils washed out with some water, because of the vibrant colours.
Sounds like a lot of work, but the definitive version cost me about 2 1/2 hours. But to be honest I did 2 compete tries before this one before I got the timing right.
You should try it as well!
Great work and technique, Rene. Thanks for the explanation. I am still trying to figure out what to do with watercolors, and even trying to play around with gouache, which I find very interesting as well.
It's always nice to experiment, almost like a trip to unknown territories. Yesterday I used soft pastel for the first time in a drawing, I always disliked the material, but I was surprised by the result. Something totally different came out, sometimes the material leads you to new roads.
Rene,
This image is wonderfull!
I am impressed with your rigour. All this control and discipline in each stage of this work.
Congratulations.
Bea, thank you. Normally I just make the quick Urban sketches. This painting is also fun to do but my usual daily life gets in the way.
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