Wednesday 3 June 2015

Rhododendrons and Things


After a totally disastrous few weeks at Avon Valley Artists, trying to paint the compulsory subjects well outside of my comfort zone, I was determined to find a little time to paint something I really enjoyed doing. First, though, in a spirit of 'Wart and All' as Peter Ward would say, there was the 'Cityscape', followed by 'The Sky' and finishing for the summer with 'Interiors' They say it is good to be pushed beyond that which we all know, so hopefully I did learn something in the process!!


                                                   'Cityscape' Pastel on Black paper
Would help if the buildings were upright and the RH green building was a lot more subtle. It looks much better on the pc with the light shining through, than it does in the flesh!

 
'Storm Clouds At Sunset'  Watercolour
Again a painting that looks better here than it does in reality. Turner never seemed to
have a problem with keeping his colours fresh. Mine are VERY sludgy in the middle.
 

                                  Interior.........'Sunny Corner'  Watercolour on Cornwall Rough
Far too tight and unimaginative. I wish I could paint this sort of subject really loosely, but just do not seem to know how!


Back then to the painting that gives me such pleasure...........
This week, I have been finishing a painting of Rhododendrons from the garden. They have been splendid this year, I just wish I could do them justice, but I have really enjoyed it. Sorry there are no progress photos, but I have been working in late evening and my cheap camera does not render the colours very well except in good light. Must get a better one!





                                  'Rhododendrons' Watercolour on Leonardo 600gm rough paper

6 comments:

  1. All very good, particularly like the cityscape and sky.

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    1. Thanks Peter. I think the ideas were ok, but the finished results, as I said in the comments, are not as good as they might appear!

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  2. The sky looks good to me. Very dramatic.

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    1. Thanks Jan, but I am aware of my shortcomings.

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  3. I like your technique of using the double sided paper...very pretty result, what a perfect card this makes.

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    1. Thanks for looking at the post Ann, but not sure I understand the reference to double sided paper!

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