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The limbs of each figure is achieved with a quick stroke
in this watercolor sketch by Wendy Artin. |
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When I think of gesture drawings or quick studies, I see myself with a pencil in hand—that's always just made sense for
those kinds of spirited, nimble sessions. Looking at Wendy Artin's stunning
watercolor painting sketches, however, in the latest issue of
Watercolor
has shown me new possibilities for capturing a figure in a few minutes and with just a few strokes.
As I'll tell anyone, I really began to realize what
watercolor could do as a medium when I came to Artist Daily. But until now I
hadn't really seen an artist who translated the fluidity of the human body with
watercolor. Watercolor can have a mind of its own and painting the human form
is one of the toughest skills for an artist to master. But Artin makes it look
effortless. With just a stroke or a pool of slightly-tinted paint she creates a
limb, a belly, or an entire body. The works are simple but sophisticated, and,
I think, really show what watercolor can do.
Artin usually starts a watercolor painting by working outward, fixing
an arm or a head in place, and going from there, all the while keeping her eye
moving around the whole figure in order to compare proportions. She is also
very careful when blending any edges that she wants to soften. Artin likes to
work wet-in-wet, but waiting until a painting has sufficiently dried is crucial
for pulling edges back, so she always keeps a paper towel for blotting ready.
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Marzia Reaching by Wendy Artin,
2010, watercolor. |
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Artin's expressive interest in the human form is a perfect
match for the expressive possibilities of watercolor. For more on her approach
and what she has to say about starting a painting and working with a model,
grab the latest issue of
Watercolor.
The magazine is a gateway to understanding this mercurial, ever-changing
medium. It's also packed with step-by-step demonstrations that show how top
artists create abstract and realistic watercolor art. How can you not embrace this kind
of resource? I know I have! Enjoy,
