There are those who like very precise paintings, lots of detail, everything drawn with the brush to resemble as closely as possible realistic forms. I don't do a lot of that - there may be a fair amount of detail, sometimes too much: but it's more in the nature of random brush strokes than very careful drawing. This is because the paper I use for watercolour is invariably either Rough or NOT (cold-pressed) - if you're after fine detail and limpid washes, the paper to use is Hot Pressed: a smooth paper, with little texture. I admire paintings like that, but have no desire to paint them myself.
Anyway: these are both around 10 by 7 inches, on 140lb paper (The Langton NOT).
Bleak Coast
Dark Corner
I was going to ask what paper you used then I found it- same as I use. I find it tough, will take anything thrown at it and a lovely texture. For a rough though I prefer Arches which is wonderful for dry brush work. I like the atmosphere of Bleak Coast; just the type of day I like to be by the sea watching the white caps.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Bleak Coast, Robert. It is very atmospheric and reminds me of what I see when I am walking on the beach and dunes by our Northsea Coast. The Dark Corner is a bit too dark for me.
DeleteWelcome - Mia, I wonder what you would make of Steve Cronin's watercolours? He has a YouTube account - I find him a bit dark, and suspect you would too, but it's an interesting approach.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REt7pPaNdXI
Yes, Robert I had a look at Cronin's watercolours and I must say: it is not what I really like. When I saw the thumbnails, I thaught it was not so bad but watching the real demo's... his technique is what my husband and I call "a bit slabdash". Also, he is using the same colours in all his paintings and at the end of each work, they become rather muddy. I have nothing against large brushes (hakes?) but you have to look at those paintings from a distance to see what they are really about.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I prefer your and Alan's paintings.
Yes, I thought you might feel that way about him. I'm amazed by his palette - it's the dirtiest I've ever seen: but I do like his results, all the more remarkable because he uses Cotman watercolours, a student brand (although a good one). His colours - mixes of Ultramarine, Payne's Grey, Light Red, Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna, Lemon Yellow, Burnt Sienna, and Alizarin Crimson, do produce - in his hands - a mixture that is very typical of a great deal of English and Scottish countryside. So, I like his work a lot, but I'm aware not everyone would.
ReplyDelete