Thursday 19 June 2014

High Tide.




The top picture is my second attempt at acrylics with the palette knife. Below that is the same subject done in watercolour from way back in 2008.
I have to say, I haven't enjoyed myself so much in absolutely ages! I love working with thick impasto paint, I love the way it's so slick under the blade and I love the way it forces me to simplify the subject. I also love the way it's so forgiving. Made a mistake? Well, just scrape it off or paint right over it!
More than anything, this picture has taught me that although it's important to paint as well as I can, it's equally important to enjoy it. More coming soon for sure!
Acrylic on homemade board with palette knife, fingers and bits of rag. No brushes!

16 comments:

  1. That must have been fun to paint! And such a great result too! Some day I'd like to try acrylics also, but don't know when.

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    1. Thanks Judy. It was enormous fun!! Then watercolour can be too, I just felt I needed a break from it as things were getting a bit too tight. I'm sure you would make a great job with acrylics.

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  2. WOW ! Your painting is full of energy and nothing is static. Just like the sea and sky would be. Your watercolor is also very nice, but once I looked at the new one... there was no comparison.

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    1. Thanks Julie. As you know, you have been a great influence and have truly inspired me. I have to agree, the watercolour shrinks a bit in the presence of the new one, but then I suppose watercolour has it's limitations - in my hands anyway!!!

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  3. You make it look fun! I especially love the deep rich colors and the beautiful effect of the water smashing against the rock. Incredible work!

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    1. Thanks so much Celia! It's that drama of light against dark that attracted me to this subject initially, and it's why I didn't mind re-visiting it.

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  4. The different effects on these two pictures with the same subject are really fascinating to me. Even more when I noticed that it was your second attempt with the palette knife. It's amazing how vibrant the water looks smashing against the rock. I love the pictures and my favourite is the first one.

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    1. Thanks Stefanie. I'm glad to hear that you loved your trip to Scotland, I'm just a little envious if I'm honest!! Just thinking that this style of painting would be ideal for the rugged landscape up there. Glad you like the pictures!

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  5. Hi Kev.
    Both paintings are brilliant. It is difficult to say which is the better painting, both are very good. All the best Kev.
    Vic.

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    1. Thanks Vic. It was interesting to explore the subject in a different medium and it taught me a lot. There's always so much more to learn!!
      Hope you are well.

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  6. Hello Kev,
    Love both paintings, but I find the effects of using palette knife more attractive to my eyes. If I have to pick one, I'll choose the first one. What kind of board did you use, masonite, mdf, etc.? Have a nice weekend.

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    1. Thanks Cora, glad you like them. Thanks for your question concerning the board. I've answered it on your blog.

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  7. Both of these are great! You know I love watercolors but the acrylics give a texture that just can't be done with watercolors. Keep having fun if you get these results!!

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    1. Thanks Joan! I still love watercolours too but I felt a short break would do me good. I'll never give them up though!

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  8. Nice painting Kev, I like the strong look of the rocks in your acrylic painting, good knife work. A more powerful painting overall.

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    1. Thanks Pat. I agree the acrylic is more powerful. I also think I could have got more power in the watercolour if I was bolder and took more advantage of counter-change. Fact is though, an acrylic or oil will always have an advantage where impact is concerned.

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