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| "My Steed" 9x12,Acrylic Watercolor on hot-pressed watercolor paper |
However, I woke up and immediately wanted to paint. So, I tied back my hair and just dug in. Still in my pajamas. Classy, I know. Apparently my painting was so boring, both my kids went back to bed (as they're 12 and 14, I figured they could entertain themselves and if they wanted a nap, so be it) and I had a quiet morning that ended in being productive after all!
I really like the way she turned out. I wanted an image like one you'd see with a girl and her horse, and so the peacock is my fairy's steed. I contemplated a harness or collar of some type for the peacock, but I preferred the idea that the peacock was free to roam, and just loved being with her instead.
On the paint side of things it has come to my attention, however, that I am not a "gentle painter" when it comes to watercolors. I realize that in the strictest terms, this isn't watercolor, but rather diluted acrylics applied like watercolors, but regardless, I seem to develop a heavy hand with the paint. I'm just... addicted to the "pop!" I need the drama, the contrast, the over the top colors! If a work I have before me doesn't have them, then it's just not finished.
I remember taking a watercolors class with my mom when I was about 10 years old, and the teacher trying to get it into my head that watercolors are a subtle art, a gentle art, a quiet art. It was all about the "suggestion" of shadows and curves and lines (and whatever else there was of the hokey philosophy she felt the need to impart on a 10 year old who just wanted to get on with painting the rose in the glass in front of her.)
I guess I just don't do "subtle". It just doesn't make me happy. It's not that there isn't a place for it, it's just that in my world if I can't make it practically glow in the dark, where's the fun in that?
If you're getting snowed in like me (although I hear the bulk will be missing us, we're just due to get up to 16 inches of snow), I hope you stay safe and warm! Hot chocolate, anyone?
Bring on the hot chocolate!!! Isn't it fun staying your pj's ;o) My arms are getting soar!!! We are getting tones of snow! I mean tones! I love it, but it is a lot of work! LOL! I agree, if you can't make it practically glow in the dark, what is the fun in that??? I rarely do subtle either! Your painting is stunning!!!! Take Care ;o)
ReplyDeleteI could live in my pj's! Wait... I might already be doing that... The snow hasn't hit heavy yet, about 4 inches now, but it's supposed to come tonight! We'll see!
DeleteKyra, the hair on your fairy is simply scrumptious! Very beautiful painting indeed. I have to disagree with your water color teacher, I use layers and layers of watercolor, AND water and more layers of paint. Like you, I want richness and depth in a painting, not a frail looking washed out mess. FORGIVE ME watercolor teachers, but I think it is up to the artist to use paints as they see fit, not what is "correct and proper use". I guess that is the difference between self taught artists and trained artists. Self taught artists do everything the wrong way, like me. But we like it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe hair was something I had to take a minute and figure out in the minis I was doing, and part of the reason I didn't just jump in on this one, since I couldn't do hair like I would in a normal painting. Honestly, I think what I learned I just love and I'm going to apply it in the standard oil painting too if I can combine the techniques! It's been a fabulous way to improve my grasp of things as a whole, I feel like I can just feel myself growing, and it's a wonderful thing! (And I agree, that watercolor teacher was a bit stuck!) I got an associates degree in fine art and then stopped because I felt it was actually hindering me, so I'm with you! Sometimes art is purely about finding your way, and nothing else!
DeleteThis is so wonderful. Subtle what is that? Lol if it does look like your art does what the H... does it matter. I am your fan keep it going girl. manonX
ReplyDeleteThanks Manon! ;)
DeleteKyra, I love this piece! I think it turned out very nice! They are a very pretty pair. Makes me want to jump into a watercolour myself but I cut my tumb so that's only hot chocolate for me! :-(
ReplyDeleteYou cut your thumb? Oh no!
DeleteI'm with you! LOVING the bold colors too!
ReplyDeleteAnd this is my favorite: So, I tied back my hair and just dug in. Still in my pajamas. Classy, I know. (Another thing that we have in common :)
LOVELY work - just stunning - your detail is astonishing, xo!
Really fab! From Jenny www.hillandatree.com (sorry to do the comment this way but the comment box doesn't work well my ipad
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