There's been much discussion recently on the EDM list about values in painting and sketching. I too have always avoided trying my hand at the very dark colors and values. So in order to address my fears, I attempted these pots for EDM 70. While a lovely blue, I think I've overworked them to the point of losing all the subtleties I had originally put in them.
So, instead of continuing to wreck these pots further, I did this still life -- which I like better.
In all, I've learned that darker values take more time to build, don't respond well (at least the Payne's Gray I used) to repeated 'fussin' overs' ... and the subtleties within the values can easily get lost if you're not careful.
There goes the "P" word again -- PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!
14 comments:
These are really great, Lin, especially the second one. It has a feeling of solidity about it, which I think is a result of your use of the darker tones.
Cheers,
Robyn
Scratches & Scribbles
Lin I agree with Robyn. Both paintings are very nice, but the second one has a lot more power to it. I love it!
Lin, I like the blue vases, and especially, I like the reflection of light. It is good!!
They are glorious Lin! You don't have to be afraid of darks anymore. That first step is the hardest and you just made a giant one! Those pots just shine!
Gosh, Lin, we seem to be using that Dang "P" word a lot lately! These are both great! I love the darker blue pots, you did a marvelous job of capturing the shine on the pots. The still life is wonderful too , I love the varying tones in the grapes! Practice is definitely paying off!
I LOVE the second one...and I think it works for two reasons...the composition is better...first one is too small for the page...and the color of the second pots and the plants is so far superior...guess its true the practice makes perfect:>
I think you did great and the cobalt is such a powerful color.
These are really nice, Lin, but my favorite recent sketch is the grapes! I'm envious! I've been "avoiding" lately...and really mean to get back to doing some watercolor. It looks like your practice is really paying off!
The pots are really good - you managed to keep the highlights in spite of going dark, something I have problems with. If you set these aside and then look at them again, I think you'll feel better about them. This is something that I'm afraid of too - intense / dark colours - yet I'm tired of pastel everything. You've inspired me!
Well done Lin. Afraid of the darks... an interesting fear... but I know how scary it is to step outside a comfort zone. I really like your resulting paintings, especially the second one which has the lovely colours and a great composition.
You have done a great job defining the form using darks!
I like both and I applaud your striking out into the unknown ;D. I think the bottom one has a boldness that is lovely. To get darker tones, try mixing up your own grays with complementary colors---premixed colors like Payne's Gray turn muddy quickly.
Love the courgette, onion, and the shiny blue pot - all this practice is REALLY paying off, your paintings are getting better and better.
I love the reflections in the very dark pot.
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