I don't know if these will look like experiments to anyone but me, but they are. There are three things I'm intentionally working on with these drawings.
First, I'm trying to learn what I can and cannot do with watercolor pencils. In the top image, I washed the background and didn't like how it came out so I worked over it heavily in dry pencil. In the bottom image, I washed the pencil in a lot of areas but also left significant patches dry, so that different objects have very different textures.
Second, I'm trying to get over my nervousness about doing backgrounds and creating border-to-border pictures.
Finally, I'm testing how I feel about this somewhat stylized, simplified style. This has been an aspect of my work as far back as I can remember, and until recently, I hated it. I thought it made my work look childish and cartoonish, and it was one of the reasons I doubted that I had any real talent. Now I'm wondering if this ability to hone in on essentials might not be one of my strengths, if I learn how to use it intentionally. Only time will tell.
Oh, and in the bottom image, I was creating shadow with color complements. The shadow areas of the pot are perhaps a little more muddy than I wanted (it would pop from the background better if I'd kept it from getting so dull), but I do think I managed to give both the pot and the treetops in the background dimensionality, so that part was a success.
If you click on the images, they do get bigger (and in fact, you can click on that to zoom into a certain area if you're so inclined).
10 comments:
I think both images are lovely but I especially love the second one. The simplified flower shapes are really beautiful and I can see the start of something wonderful happening with depth and intensity.
Love your use of color in both of these.
I think the second one has a Van Gogh quality with makes me want to say you Gogh Girl! - But I won't - You just keep getting better and better. Thanks for sharing. j
HI Ruth,
Thanks for stopping by! Not sure how I found your blog, but I'm glad I did. I don't think your work looks cartoony!!! It's beautiful.
Don't you just love the way Daddy God paints for us?!
Have a great 4th of July! There'll be lots of color then!
I think these are both beautiful! I love using watercolor pencils. I especially like the way the pot looks.
Love the color in the second. So many new techniques to learn. Had never ever thought about treating the backgrounds. Amazing.
I love the colors in the vase. I don't think your work is cartoonish at all. Some Westerners--over 100 years ago-- said that Japanese wood block prints weren't really art, but real artists saw something else in them and gained new inspiration.
These are awesome Ruth!! There is absolutely nothing wrong with your style and a jillion things fantastic about it. These would make beautiful glass pendants. They are super easy and so fun to share with family and friends. Check out my blog for instructions on how to do it.
I both clicked and zoomed and although I know nothing about art, I have to say the contrast is amazing.... it's almost like each image is different...but the same... I know, makes no sense to me either. ;o)
Fantastic Ruth, you are truly blessed with talent!
The second image really appeals to me. Everything element in it adds something essential. I also think your use of complements to darken the pot works wonderfully well. There's a richness to the darker areas that adds vibrancy to the overall image. Yay Ruth!
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