Tuesday, 10 September 2013

Crab Apples.



The reason for doing this picture was to test some new paper. This is the first time I have used 100% cotton paper as opposed to wood pulp and it was really refreshing to just slap paint on without worrying too much about the result. I didn't really know what to expect from the paper, probably not a lot but i have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Washes seemed to be slightly easier to control but the main difference was the paper's resilience when lifting colour. Wow it's so tough!! I watched Hazel Soan do a picture of apples like this which is what inspired me to have a go. I love her watercolour style and will admit I tried to copy it a bit. Mental note to self, "Admire other artists by all means but don't imitate - it doesn't work"!!! I'm very pleased with this paper and the results and will probably try a landscape with it soon. Watercolour on Saunders Waterford 140lb Rough. 
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14 comments:

  1. stefanie stark10 September 2013 at 06:39

    The effect has been amazing! I am surprised to see such a difference in paper! The apples look so yummy and fresh and the whole composition is beautifully balanced! Wonderful work!

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    1. Kev's Art10 September 2013 at 07:20

      Thank you so much Stefanie!!! I think I will probably use this paper for most of my normal watercolour work from now on. I like the fact that it will take a lot of scrubbing and hard treatment - it's easier to get rid of mistakes!!!

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  2. Joan Tavolott10 September 2013 at 14:42

    Beautiful test result!!!! This is lovely.You really got some nice vibrant color in this one. I've used Saunders but not the rough paper.

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    1. Kev's Art10 September 2013 at 19:44

      Thank you very much Joan! I've been pleasantly surprised at the response for what is mainly a test excercise. Maybe it's because for once I relaxed a little!! I think I'm a bit in love with this paper already and, what's more, it's very reasonably priced for a cotton paper. Yippeeeee!!!

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  3. Pat O'Driscoll13 September 2013 at 13:38

    I like the composition and how you handled the focal point.

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  4. Victor Errington16 September 2013 at 05:10

    Hi Kev.
    I agree with all above, it is a lovely painting. So you are going to keep using this new paper then Kev? All the best mate.
    Vic.

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    1. Kev's Art16 September 2013 at 06:16

      Thanks very much Vic. I'm looking forward to using the cotton paper for my more serious attempts at watercolour. The wood pulp will do fine for seaside cartoons and rough sketching as there's not so much correcting involved. "Best of both"!!!

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  5. Unknown1 October 2013 at 02:05

    Well done! Love your watercolor.

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    1. Kev's Art1 October 2013 at 03:04

      Thank you very much for visiting and for your nice comment. Glad you like it!!

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  6. minnemie3 October 2013 at 18:00

    Beautiful reflections of light! Did you save the whites or lift it? I need to check out this paper!

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    1. Kev's Art4 October 2013 at 05:22

      Thank you minnemie. The whites on the apples and the lightest leaves were saved. I lifted some of the mid-tone leaves as at one point, the foliage was a dark, unresolved mess!!! I then used negative painting to bring them out further.

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    2. minnemie16 October 2013 at 11:10

      Aahhh, excellent. Thank you for sharing your process. You would never know that some of it was at one point an "unresolved mess":-) This really is an excellent painting!

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    3. Kev's Art16 October 2013 at 13:09

      It's a pleasure. All of my paintings are an unresolved mess at some point. I often think I'm better at rescue than creation!! Many thanks!!!!

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