I've not had a lot of time to devote to my art this week but I have been having a lot of fun trying various watercolour techniques that I hope to use in a bigger painting that I keep promising myself! I also haven't managed to get out to do any sketching so I used an old sketch that I did about nineteen years ago (where does the time go?) as a reference for this little 7x5 watercolour. I had no colour notes so I had to rely on my memory and invent a little bit.
The location is a beautiful little village called Laycock, a place I used to walk to and sketch when I lived and worked in the nearby town of Keighley in West Yorkshire. I just liked the composition at the time and really glad that I never binned the original sketch :)
And as a footnote and as requested by my blogging friend and first follower
Sandra, here's the original page from my sketchbook. Personally, I prefer the old sketch ! What do you think ?
I like the composition too; the way the eye is led in to the picture by the road. I'd love to see the sketch you worked from :0)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra. And ... as if by magic ... I added the original sketch for you :)
ReplyDeleteI like the original as a working model.. but prefer the second. You've made it more beautiful by making it watercolour xx
ReplyDeleteI like the watercolour but I prefer the simple and strong original sketch. But that's just an opinion. ;-)
ReplyDeletePat and Judy, thanks very much for your comments. It's interesting to get a few differing opinions :)
ReplyDeleteI like both of these for different reasons. They each have merit in their own right. The original sketch is looser and more dramatic, but the watercolour is more peaceful and inviting.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who keeps promising myself that I really MUST do some plein aire sketching, I have boosted your follower count by another 10%. ;-)
I think you're absolutely right, John. The painting is a touch chocolate box, the sketch is darker and more austere, although ironically the house with the archway was a very expensive barn extension !
ReplyDeleteYes, you really must get out and do some plein aire work. I really enjoy it and it would be great to see some of that lovely countryside that you have nearby. Thanks for boosting the numbers :)
I always admire plein air painters. I have to work in the studio. Too much information for me en plein air. The sketch works because your darks show up the light areas more. The same should apply when we paint with watercolors. I learned this over the past two years taking classes. When you use strong darks next to your lights it really shows up the lights for a more dramatic effect. If you were to darken your shadows that may make all the difference. A trick I also learned is to make your darks rich in color - even adding more than one color.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment on my blog. I'm really honored that you think my watercolors remind you of John Blockley's work - he is one of my favorite watercolorists.
Thank you, Jean and thanks for all your excellent advice on lights and darks - I struggle with this a lot.
ReplyDeleteI think the consensus is that the Conte sketch is better.
Yes, I love John Blockley's work too. Keep painting - your work is very good!
The original has an energy to it. I like the painting too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue. Energy, yes, I like that description. I was 20 years younger though LOL!
ReplyDeleteI like the painting and the sketches very much Michael. I don't think your painting is 'chocolate box' at all. :) It's a nice scene, and I love the blending on the walls and the shadows. I am hopeless at drawing, so I admire your sketches very much ... loose and spontaneous.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, Ingrid. I don't see why you think you're hopeless at drawing - far from it! Your sense of perspective is excellent :)
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