Once again, a demonstration from Peter Sheeler which I used for a card for my sister-in-law.
Peter’s is far more masterful than mine! Who’d have thought a simple leaf could be so difficult? I went in afterwards and inked in some extra lines and put a frame around the picture – the leaf looks like it is floating in space.
The second card in a series for my sister-in-law’s Christmas present. I used Peter Sheeler’s demonstration (below). I love his lines and color! Copying his style is teaching me a lot about simple color use, powerful lines, and particularly compositional elements I haven’t considered at all.
What I learned in this video was how to portray dappled lighting. This gives character and depth to white petals. What do you think?
As a present, my sister-in-law asked for some hand-painted cards. Given I have enjoyed Peter Sheeler’s videos, I thought I would use his exercises as a way to practice painting, and fulfill a family member’s request for a Christmas present! Here is Mr. Sheeler’s video:
Birch trees are some of the easiest and most lovely trees to draw or paint. The white trunks and white snow made for a good chance to work at keeping white space. The other thing is that the palette was limited, which I am beginning to find refreshing – a lot of colors can be made from two or three.
This morning, in a room only lit by the light of my monitors, and a half-drunk cup of coffee at hand, I decided to go ahead and watch Peter Sheeler’s video above, and try to do a painting. I dragged out a bowl for water, a few brushes, and my travel palette. I sort of know where my colors are, so what the heck – paint and draw away.
I pretty much followed what Peter did, but obviously his work is better than mine. Despite that, I did learn a few more things. One thing I have always liked – and will continue to like – is ink with color. Using a limited palette is also fun as it really helps you keep yourself under control. I think – remember, it was dark, and I was only half of cup of coffee into my morning! – I used yellow ochre, quin gold, a bit of viridian, a bit of alizarin, indathrene and ultramarine blues, and burnt sienna. Some of these were just little dabs because I couldn’t see very well, but the main colors were the sienna and blues.
That said, below is a scan of my painting before putting in the final lines.
Objectively, it’s okay. There are some nice areas, and there certainly is some white space (yay! white space!), which is why I am focusing on snow painting practices. Some good light – dark areas. A nice bleed or two. Other areas are dreadful, such as that greenish area on the mid-right side.
Below, the inked in version.
Frankly, I like the final one better as there is more definition. Now – finish that coffee and jet off to work.
Have a fun day!
Living in Southern California, we don’t get winter like other parts of the world. Plants are green and living, not in dormant states for the most part. In a botanical garden, one of the real pleasures is seeing the sheer variety of plants! Last Friday, besides trees, I also did a barrel cactus, some red aloe (I think they are aloe), and a huge succulent that I always call “Audrey” from that strange and lovely life form in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Barrel Cactus . . . these look like a weird squash.
Red Aloe . . . no lines!
Fortunately, these Audreys do not require feeding! Nor do they sing.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 