So, now I´ve tried a few takes on the view from our kitchen window. I used different primary triads of watercolours, together with one earth colour, tried to find different compositions and so on, but I still think they all look kind of the same. And a funny thing is, it took me until this third watercolour to discover what it is that feels so awkward to me about these: They are paintings! I don´t have any ink lines in there! I feel kind of lost in space... I´m getting too used to drawing, and I don´t really feel comfortable with just colours any more.
I´m taking a two-day watercolour class soon, one that promises experimental techniques and ways of letting watercolours do their "thing". I´m looking forward to it, hoping to find a way out of my need to control this media all the time. I think the small formats of these have got a lot to do with the way I get far too deep into details, but I think trying out some unorthodox techniques and getting new input from others may do a lot of difference too. We´ll see.
14 x 20.5 cm, watercolours on Arches 300 gsm watercolour paper, fine grain.
22 comments:
This is wonderful, Nina!!! When you take your wc 'own thing' workshop, would you mind sharing how it's done .... I'm struggling mightily with that! THANKS!
Good luck.
I don't think your feeling of being "lost in space" trasnlates into your watercolor. Looks fine to me.
Re: your commend on details. Recently in my ongoing review of art and design fundamentals, a principle was hammered home to me, and that is too much detail, including over modeling and softening of edges, for example, can easily obscure the design/value pattern of a painting, wweakening it (the viewer can't discern it very well). Thus, A reason for simplicity. Thought I'd share that.
I like your works out your kitchen window, wish I had a view like that!
excellent work Nina. I wish I had a view like that from any of my windows to work on a series. I'd love to work with WC without lines. I'll someday start trying. Bravo!! Hugs, Martín.
I love this one as well...I don't think they all 'look the same' except they look like YOUR style of painting. I LOVE your paintings!! And I'm in the process of making a bunch of those folded journals for some young students of mine...thanks again so much for that pattern!! deni........;)
I'm sure whatever you do will be wonderful but I will still love these little paintings. I love the colours, how you see them, how you handle them and these views do all look different to me.
Yes, yes, yes and yes. I agree. The small format makes me too detailed also. I was used to drawing A1 size, or full-sheet size. And I'm having the same issue with 'no lines'. I did a little postcard of the harbour at the weekend in watercolour and I couldn't manage without the lines, and put them in afterwards. And I'm really a painter rather than a drawer. I know EXACTLY what you mean. I Love the colours in this one, I must say.
Nina--
This is a nice painting. The colors, shapes and angles make this interesting. I, too, fight to use the ink pen. While some of my total watercolor paintings look OK, ink adds something special. So, I am resigning myself to do what I feel best in doing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
This is beautiful Nina and I love it for being a painting, just the watercolours. Good luck with the class and share with us!
Ronell
I think you did very well with this one. Everything seemed to work for you here.
However, I do enjoy your pen and ink drawings.
Hi Nina,
Please forgive me but I have tagged you. You don't have to participate if you don't want to. Details are on my blog.
I love this sketch, I feel like I am there smelling the sweet breezes.
I'm thoroughly enjoying your 'view from my kitchen' sketches...well, OK, ALL your sketches!
I love your kitchen window paintings but after having a disastrous week of lessons I would like to do what you are doing!
Those roof tops make a great composition and your painting is beautiful, as always. Can't wait to hear about your course.
Wow, I love this, what a great view. Lots of people doing triad paintings these days, is it some sort of cult I am not aware of? LOL just kidding, I am always amazed at the range of colors you achieve with a limited triad pallet
What beautiful watercolours ... all my things have lines and how I wish I could paint like you!
I like how by chosing a specific palette of colors, you've really unified the entire piece. I have such a hard time limiting colors. I do have a view of rooftops out my window (I live on the 14th floor, and I can go up to the penthouse on the 25th to draw too).
You may have given me a great idea to try after I do laundry and housework tomorrow :P
Love water colors. That's so cool.
I love these sketches of your town. and thank you for the instructions for the folded sketchbook...I made one and used it this weekend when I went to visit my daughter in San Diego, Ca. I hope to fill it with images from there in the months to come.
Gorgeous watercolors Nina, I absolutely love the roof tops!
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