My devoted fans – all like 3 of you – may have noticed that I have not posted here in a LONG time. Something happened.
First, I do have to say that it can be very hard for me to balance painting, posting and image editing. They all seem to require different mindsets or maybe even minds.
I have been painting – almost daily – but no posting. Yes, something happened. It always does, no? In a word, let me just say I failed. Totally. Utterly. Failed.
And I had to work my way out of total failure.
But first, let me post the last painting before I failed. At the time, I did not like this one but it has grown on me.
I was fascinated by water, waves, reflections on water and looking for a new subject to paint with water reflections. Found a photo of a sea turtle as a starting point.
So I am imagining this guy swimming through ripples – I saw some great photos of ripples like this:
I was thinking of using one of my favorite colors, Terre Verte mised with Cerulean for the background.
First I masked out the turtle outline and scribbled in ripples with Fineline Mask.
Then I used a technique that has worked for me in the past and did a light was of Quinacridone Gold AKA “liquid sunshine” to add (hopefully) a little glow.
After this was dry, I laid in a wash of Terre Verte, Cerulean and a little Rare Green Earth in the shadows.
Look how wonderfully the Cerulean and the Terre Verte granulate! No salt, no fancy techniques, just lots of water and letting the pigments float apart.
After some drying time, I remove the mask.
I went over the white areas of the “ripples” with a damp brush to soften them – but maybe not enough. I have learned since this one was finished!
Next is masking out the turtle markings. On another turtle I painted, I used Quin. Sienna and Mayan Blue (a very green blue that always makes me think of water) so I want to try that again.
The blue and sienna runs together in a wonderful way. I think I have thrown in some Jadeite Green and Indanthrone blue on the shell.
After the entire turtle is painted, I remove the mask and it is done. I want back and forth on which way the painting should be oriented as I has originally imaged it in landscape format with the turtle’e head up … but… decided on this instead.
You can buy a print here
Materials Used
Terre Verte
Cerulean Blue
Mayan Blue
Quinacridone Gold
Rare Green Earth
Jadeite
Indanthrone Blue
Quinacridone Sienna
Fine Line Masking Fluid
Masking Tape (for border)
Strapping Tape (to hold paper down as I use a LOT of water)
Arches 300lb Watercolor paper (purchased where ever I can get a deal on it)
Note: I am an Amazon Associate and purchasing through these links gets me a few cents (literally) and helps support this blog.