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3/22/2009 7:08:38 PM

First Colors of Spring

Marsha Robinett / 9 Comments
Topics: Watercolor
...First Colors of Spring...
Watercolor on paper 7x10

Here is another look at my progress with watercolor. I actually took the photo last summer at a friends house with the idea of using it for a drawing. Every painting is a 'new' struggle. I'm still 'fiddling' too much...in my fiddling, I'm loosing highlights. The background is a little darker and the leaves not quite as prominent as they show here. Yet, the colors of the tulips are fairly accurate...interesting.

I've always wanted to do really 'loose' watercolors...I think I'm stuck on the detail. When you figure I came from drawing, I guess it's only natural. So...I guess I'm going to quit fighting it and settle for the realistic style of watercolor you see here. Maybe I can loosen up later.

When walking in my own garden this week I noticed that my tulips were bursting through the ground. It always fascinates me...once they stick their heads up, it's like they grow in front of your eyes. My tulips aren't nearly this pretty. Possibly because my flower garden doesn't get the care it should.

My friend is a 'master gardener'...I just love visiting (with my camera) and sitting on the patio with a glass of wine. She doesn't even have mosquitoes! We have a deal...she provides the wine, the grill, and the 'extras'...and I bring the steak. Such a deal. We get together several times during the summer months. She is just as a good a cook as she is a gardener.

I'm open for critique...I look forward to your comments

 

 

 

 

 

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9 Responses to First Colors of Spring

Hi Marsha,

I personally love detail and the way that artists can represent the beauty of things, people and places with art materials.

Glad you're enjoying re-discovering watercolor.
Lori

Posted by Lori Woodward Simons · via web · 212 months ago

Hi Marsha,

I love your fire-up color of Tulips.

I have been trying to loosen up my paintings too .

It is not easy to change hoe we see nature's colors and shape and record it differently .

Thank you for viewing my painting.

Keep on painting!

M Jennifer Tseng

Posted by meiying jennifer tseng · via web · 212 months ago

Lori,
Thank you for your comments. I also enjoy detail, perhaps I could better state it this way. "I want my watercolors to look more like watercolors...I want to see the water in action without 'blooms'. I'd like not to see everything in the painting 'in focus'.

Jennifer,
You are right...it's hard to put your own spin on what nature has created. Part of this I think is just letting loose. That is why I post these...to document my progress to a looser feel in my paintings. At least I hope to progress to 'looser'. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.

Posted by Marsha Robinett · via web · 212 months ago

Great blog

Posted by Irene Resnick · via web · 212 months ago

your flowers are so beautiful, don't change anything, I think your watercolors are wonderful, as your drawings are, of course.

Go on watercoloring!

Posted by Sylviane Le Cann · via web · 211 months ago

Irene and Sylviane,
Thanks for your comments and encouragement. When you attempt something new there is always that certain amount of insecurity that taps you on the shoulder every now and then. So nice of you both.

Posted by Marsha Robinett · via web · 211 months ago

Hi Marsha,

Beautiful work! I Love the colors. It really does make it feel like Spring!
I know what you mean however, I too am trying to loosen up my artwork. I work in colored pencil and find it hard to leave things to the imagination. I feel that I have to capture every little detail. I'm going to keep trying and maybe someday I'll post a gallery of my colored pencil with watercolor paintings!!! SOMEDAY!

Sally

Posted by Sally Franklin · via web · 211 months ago

Way to Go!!!

So glad to see you branching out into watercolor BECAUSE YOU ARE GOOD AT THIS ALSO!!

Blessings to you!
Donna

Posted by Donna Pierce-Clark · via web · 211 months ago

I work in a similar manner but stop fiddling sooner and have a messier look which I have come to realize is "me"---I also have felt the need to loosen up and now at 73 I am sure it was not meant for me but the expiriments were worth while if only to teach me that..Your work is most inspiring and unforgettable. Winna

Posted by Edwinna Jill (EJ) Mordasky · via web · 211 months ago

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