Saturday, February 28, 2009

"On My Easel"




A couple of years ago, we were in San Diego, visiting the San Diego Zoo. I had my trusty camera with me, and was able to get some decent pictures of some of the creatures there. Since that time, I have wanted to paint this elephant, but not in the traditional way most artists would paint it. Instead I wanted a sense of HEAT around this large beast, and I thought the pouring of colors technique might achieve that for me. Here you see the painting after the second pour of colors - 3 primaries - with various places masqued off for each pour.

This is a large watercolor - 22.5 x 30.5 inches - so putting in the detail from this point forward is going to be slow going. However, I am excited by the way the colors have laid down so far, and am looking forward to the fun stuff!

I will continue to post progress on this piece as it takes shape. :-)

If you are interested in an African Safari, or perhaps a painting that makes you feel as if you have been on one, contact me for commission work at jogiesbrecht@gmail.com

8 comments:

Emm said...

I love beginnings and this is so exciting and creative, can't wait to see the big finish!

Vern Schwarz said...

Hi Joanne, Great start on this piece. From what I can see, it looks like it is going to be something special when you are done. I'm just catching up a little here and would like to wish you all the best in your new art life. Sounds like you are totally ready and committed to it. And congrats on passing the biggest and most important test of all. Be well and live life large!

artbyakiko said...

I already feel that this is going to be a very beautiful and powerful painting! Looking forward to seeing how it will progress. :)

Unknown said...

Hi Emm,
So nice to hear from you again! Hope you are well. I, too, love beginnings - especially when they seem "right"! Take care - and see you again soon. :-)

Unknown said...

Hi vern,
Glad you are back from your trip safe and sound! Thank you for your well wishes - I am so happy to be on this new journey. :-) Looking forward to seeing your new painting technique in the near future. :-)

Unknown said...

Hi Akiko,
You are such an encouragement every time you visit! I cannot believe how prolific a painter you are - and how beautiful every one of your works is. What are you working on right now? Thanks for coming over to my blog and leaving a comment. talk to you again soon.

Jean Victory said...

Joanne,
I love your elephant with the pouring technique...it makes me want to try it. I can't wait to see the finished piece.

Unknown said...

Hi Jean!
I am not sure how this technique would work with other media... the reason it works so well in watercolor paint is that the white of the paper shines through the various pours and creates that transparent glow... it might work with acrylic on paper, but I have my doubts. And as for oils - well, let's just say you would have to give them up for a day to do this technique. You would have such fun though, that you might switch to watercolor! Perhaps you need personal lessons this summer??? I think a trip to the coast of Maine would be lots of fun for me. :-) Here's hoping that you are close to the end of winter snow and that spring is on its way!