I finished the final two wave studies. I used titanium white for the wave foam in both. I think it really captures the feeling of breaking foam in the wind. In number 7, I used fewer layers but darker colors. In number 8, I did some color lifting to try to get a little glow into the waves. While all of the studies have their merits, none of them are able to capture the same luminosity of the Aivazovsky oil paintings. I talked about it with my son Daniel, and he suggested that the pigments in oil painting are floated on a thin layer of oil, and watercolor just can't duplicate that. It's been an interesting exercise!
I am really struggling with inertia in my daily life. I saw a suggestion that people should keep some kind of daily journal--written, drawings, video, whatever is convenient-- during the pandemic. Years ahead, it will be fascinating to revisit, like when my mom would reminisce about life during the Depression. Perhaps that will help--nothing fancy, just record a few impressions each day.
Hope you all are well! It will be lovely when we can resume class in person!
I like them both, especially the lighter and not so light, sprays of white across the faces of the waves. What kind of white is titanium? I'm thinking there are two kinds of watercolor whites, that watery stuff you get when you buy a set of paints and gouache. Are there other whites, like China and ivory somewhere in between?
ReplyDeleteWhat colors go into the yellow green parts of the waves? That is my favorite spot on the spectrum
How are everybody's paints holding out. IF we run out of lemon yellow there is no way we can run down to Blicks to get a new one ror at least like a month. You can still order them from Blicks but then you have to pay that awful postage. Maybe we could get together to lump our buys and avoid the postage, then whoever got the delivery at their house can stand on a prearranged corner at a prearranged time and we could line up six feet apart on the other side of the street and approach one by one to get the goods.
You've managed to NOT make the white all chalky and dead. It really works. Again, you've really gotten the colors and light down—especially that greenish hue when the light shines through the wave.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about luminosity. I often wish watercolor would dry with the same sheen it has when it's wet. It seems a little duller after it dries. Daniel's explanation makes sense.
I certainly hope I don't run out of supplies!
( sorry if this post appears twice. I always forget to sign in —is there a way to stay signed in?)
ReplyDeleteThe colors you used—greens, violets, and yellow — really create the drama of the waves along the judicious use of white. As for luminosity, I think it’s achieved in watercolor by tricking the eye thru the use of warm and cool colors and values of dark and light. Google Susan Tustain Harrison her watercolors are very luminous and she has a blog with lots of info on how she paints. Also I have a book by Jan Kunz Watercolors that Glow that has a lot of color theory about darks being 40 percent darker than lights and using warm colors n shadows and cool colors in highlights. Also look at watercolor glass painting tutorials —even tho the subject is different the same rules probably apply. I really learn a lot from watching tutorials and it’s a great way to break the inertia cycle! I also keep paper and pen & pencil near all my perching places (couch, tv room, bed). That way I just have to pick it up. Sometimes I just doodle or draw lines or squares or my coffee cup. It doesn’t take much to get my attention involved. But it’s ok to sit on the couch and stare out the windows for hours. Your mind needs a break. There’s a lot to process these days. Go easy on yourself. And date everything you draw....
ooo, Elaine, these darker ones are even more dramatic. I think the color lifting worked to bring in a bit of glow. No, watercolor can't duplicate oils. But then oils can't duplicate watercolors. Rather than trying to do that, I think going for the look and feel or essence of the image is what can be achieved, if you know what I mean. Not so much copying but interpreting with the media you're using.
ReplyDeleteIt may also be the mood of the times that's effecting your studies too. I now I go up and down, on and off with my creative endeavors these days. I have to set up small routines that focus my attention to simple, concrete endeavors to get me going each day and then take breaks with the kitty in between.
To Ken: Titantium white is made from titantium.