I often do an underpainting by massing in the basic shapes (no details), then using either alcohol or water and a brush to wash the different areas. It creates a good roadmap to values and colors for when I lay in the pastel.
This time, after I sketched in my subject I broke out my box of Caran d'Ache Neocolour II water soluble crayons and colored in the basic shapes - just like we used to color as kids. Then, using water I "painted" each shape and the crayon turns to an opaque watercolor. It does the same thing as the first method, but the colors are a bit brighter. Sometimes, I'll use a very wet brush and let the colors run a bit just because I like that effect. You might see this above at the very top where the green from the leaf ran into the background color. It's all just personal preference, but it's so enjoyable to experiment!
This painting is listed on Daily Paintworks at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/carol-flatt-1045
Hi Carol - I used this method in some of my illustration. fast and colorful.
ReplyDeleteYour design is dynamite - I love this.
Thank you, Julie. You're correct - it is fast AND relaxing!
DeleteA beautiful painting, Carol. I love the effect that it produces. What kind of paper did you use? Was it colorfix? Again, love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Hilda. The surface for this one was actually Pastelbord in a gray color. The crayons seem to go on smoothly and, of course, no warping! Appreciate you writing!
DeleteThis is gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda!
DeleteI'm really happy that you like it. The colors were so much fun to try to emulate. Lots of different blues. :)
Carol, this truly has WOW power it makes me think of all the years my Mom and I picked wild blueberries and then made blueberry muffins. Once again you have given us beautiful color and composition,thanks for the trip down memory lane. Jean
ReplyDeleteJean, I never had that pleasure, unfortunately. Just thinking about blueberry muffins makes my mouth water! Thank you for commenting.
DeleteThe blueberries look like they are made of velvet and a great touch with the blue and orange combo. You used a water soluble crayon for the under painting? Very clever and I bet it is vibrant. One more trick up your sleeve:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Libby. Yes, the crayons are water soluble which is fun. I bought the set some time ago, but haven't really used them a whole lot until now. They're wonderful for all things that require or use watermedia. Lots of potential there!
ReplyDeleteYou captured so wonderfully the blueberries on the branch as they mature. Really impressive.
ReplyDeleteCarlene,
DeleteI very much appreciate your kind words. I hadn't realized the variety of colors within a group of blueberries. Good learning experience for me.
A fascinating look at a different pastel method and I love the scumbling you did in the prior post.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Shirley. I really enjoy the versatility of pastel.
DeleteStunning, Carol . . . and inspired! I love the color, light and depth. Your experimenting is really paying off by adding emotion to your skill—I really see it over the past months. Thanks for sharing your methods—what surface is the pastel on?
ReplyDeleteHi Lorraine!
DeleteYour words are amazingly kind and much appreciated. I can feel sometimes that I work my paintings with more of a technical approach rather than emotional. I am happiest with the result when I put away the source (photo, etc.) at some point and paint on instinct and feelings. The surface is Pastelbord - one of my favorites.