Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time. Thomas Merton

Friday, August 24, 2012

WIP

Working on a watercolor from a photo I made at Gulf Shores, AL back in July.

 Backlit shot of a Great Blue Heron in a gnarly old Live Oak tree at sunset at the state park campground. Still have some work to do, but it's getting there. I guess.






I'm thinking I might like it better in oils or acrylic, so I might do another one.




12 comments:

  1. thats lovely but I think you're right oils would give it more life and depth

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    1. Thanks. I have avoided watercolor for so many years. I'm trying to make myself stay with it for a while to become more comfortable with it. So far, it has been a great teacher. I'm not sure it's my medium. I'm not even sure I'm a painter, but I do love smearing paint around.

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  2. i like that a lot!! beautifully done...so soft...and magical feeling!!

    wow!! when i see art like this...oh how i wish i could draw...paint!!

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    1. I still have a good bit of work to do on it. I don't really have the hang of watercolor, but I love to look at other people's and enjoy playing with the paint. It is really interesting to work with. This piece, though, not so sure if I really like it.

      Now, Laura, I've seen your work. You need to give yourself much more credit.

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    2. oh thanks...i may be good at some kind of art...but i LOVE watercolors...and wish i could DO what i see in my head!! know what i mean?
      i always admire watercolors...i love how they look...how they blend...
      i think your painting is beautiful!!

      (thinking of you...i hope Isaac doesn't reach you...stay safe! we're having lots of rain right now, i FEEL for those along the coast in LA, MS, AL, and FL's panhandle....)

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  3. This piece sets a peaceful mood. But another medium would allow you to add more detail. Your proportions are pleasing ... such a creative gift!

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    1. Thanks, Robin. It was neat to return to our campsite and see the bird up in the tree. A storm was brewing and the sky was an interesting color. I think I would be happier with other types of paints for this one. I have not painted at all in many years, so the whole process is a challenge for me.

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  4. Your colors are lovely in watercolor and I like your bird. You may find you like this painting more in richer colors, easier established in acrylics. Just paint how you like it and be happy!
    Smile today. :)

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    1. I don't remember in years past thinking that art was so difficult. Now, I frequently say to my teacher, "This is hard!" She is very good about steering us to get out of trying to make our work look like a photograph, encourages us to "make it our own," but that is hard, too! I'm not sure I'm as creative as I was thirty years ago!

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  5. Great background colors and good heron outline...looking forward to seeing it progress!

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  6. THanks, Nancy. I'm taking a few days off. It always seems to help not to look at what I'm working on for a little while. The other thing is knowing when one is finished!

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  7. Now - that is a Great Blue Heron! And that is the extent of my art awareness!

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