4.1.06

Splashing around

I am a control freak when it comes to painting. I peer squint eyed at drying surfaces, looking for tidelines and blotches. I tip and turn the board to even the flow and keep a diffuser of water handy for emergencies. I rarely use a hair dyer, as natural drying creates the smooth, even surface I require. It's done well for me so far. But now I'm going to loosen up a bit. Let my shirt tail out. Let the paint run free!

This is a big picture I'm working on, to be finished next week. It's the only one of my three jobs I can play with, a bit, as the others have to be in my tighter technique and I'm halfway through them. I've put the usual tissue thin washes down, but have been splotching richer colour in and letting colours bleed into each other. If I accidentally go over an edge, I tease it out with clean water, instead of driving it back with dry tissue. This tiled roof is going to be left like this, instead of being filled in with a stronger colour as normal. The effects shown here are reminiscent of old 'Jackie' magazines - the early seventies art nouveau style of illustration which hinted at tie-dye and blowsy florals. Which is exactly what I want.

What I've found is that leaving accidental bleeding and watermarks makes the picture more ethereal, which is especially suitable for this picture of fairyland. But, true to nature, I've started controlling the accidents, as I discover how to create an organised mess. The details of the picture are still finished off quite tightly though, so that they stand out from the 'floaty' background. There is a pink tideline under this fairy's lower arm, which normally I would have dabbed away. I feel quite liberated!

8 comments:

lorna said...

Wonderful gretel. As ever it's so nice to be able to peak over your shoulder during the painting process and your new technique sounds lots of fun and gives a great effect.

Maya said...

Gretel, you are my official watercolour guru...haha!! :)
When I feel the need to get inspired to get a move on, I just pop over here (hence the many visits)...
Love the little fairy!

Maya said...

Hi Gretel! :)
I just noticed that you added Oliver Jeffers to your list of artists friends. Do you know him?

I really love his work! I bought one of his books a little time ago and really enjoyed it.

Sorry if I am being rude asking you this...

Gretel said...

Gosh no, I was going to change him to a 21st century hero actually; I am afraid my only claim to him is having him bookmarked in my 'favourites'...(inserts blushing smiley here).

Maya said...

:)

Sorry, I got a bit overexcited!

It would be great if his name would pop up in the forum unexpectedly.. ;)

Joanna said...

I love seeing your watercolours appear. Its so exciting to see someone else paint in watercolours and you use such pretty colours.

Cathy said...

Like Joanna, I'm totally seduced by your colours. Especially on a grey day like this!

Cathy xxx

Gina said...

Love, love, love your style.