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.
Beautiful image, Rene. What's the size of this piece, and what materials did you use here?
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteSounds 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.
ReplyDeleteIt'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.
ReplyDeleteRene,
ReplyDeleteThis 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.
ReplyDelete