2013 ALL MEDIA PHOTO CHALLENGE---January #27

J.V.Schaffer wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 7:04 PM

Sarah an execptionally nice blue jay painting 

B.J. Bailey wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 9:20 PM

Thank you Sam for the information.

Sarah - love your blue Jay, great effect with the water colour. You managed to capture a his natural posture.

Here are my chicks. I've had lots of fun with these guys.  I tried several different things that didn't work out so went to water colour on Arches 140 lb block cropped to  9.5 X 7.5.  I framed to give as a gift but took the glass of for the photo, am wondering does it mater if you use glass with water color.

Berkenstock wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 9:47 PM

Bonnie nice little chicks you have the coloring down pat and they look soft and fluffy what more could you ask for in chicks.  They probably would be a Little better if they had a shadow under hem.  They talked me into a shadow on mine and I didn't regret doing it.

You ask about the glass.  It is there to protect the painting from air born grime and smoke and helps prevent fading.  You would be better off with glass in the long run.

B.J. Bailey wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 9:59 PM

Thanks Geri for the comments, I'm of two minds about the shadow, I had planned to do something and had it drawn in but with the white frame and matt I kind of liked the white background.  Will keep thinking about it.

wetpaperfan wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 10:22 PM

Sarah:  your Jay is beautiful  I agree with everyone.   you might consider putting a white spot in the eye.  he already has life and that will just add a tiny bit more...

Jean:  your chicks are adorable. well done.   I noticed you made one like it is pecking something from the ground.  all the more reason for some sort of shadow... or at least a seed.   my impression is that he is pecking at air... I like the white frame.  uv glass before you give it to your friend would always be a good thing.    Your friend will love this special gift from you...

SAM:   the new post of Olivia is still beautiful  I noticed you did tweak it a bit more and I believe its still a prize winner...

NZJen wrote

on 23 Jan 2013 10:57 PM

Hi everyone. I had a go at the blue jay - mine is postcard size - and I'm with the person who said it was driving her crazy. My painting looked better half way through, but we all know about that phenomonen dont we....

The photo was not very well cropped Im afraid.

However I enjoyed it and I learned something. Birds are not as easy to paint as they look!

I should have said my pastel of my little grand daughter took me a year to do :-)

I don't live near snow and haver never painted that either, so was 'winging it' with the snow.

I enjoyed using my new Schmincke cerulean blue.

Sarah/Hearadh I just loved your blue jay. Wow. I really like this challenge idea. Because when you have been working on something yourself, you can see how someone else solved the problem and then you really learn something.

B.J. Bailey wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 6:11 AM

Thank you Jen for your comments, still debating about the shadows though.

NZJen, Your Jay turned out lovely.  I really like the WC painterly effect you achieved and his colouring. You did very well with the snow. I agree the forum is great with everyone offering help with comments and suggestions. I love to look at everyones ptg with the different approaches from interpretation to media.

Sheila Phelps wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 6:35 AM

Bonnie - Sweet job on the chicks. Nice blending - very soft. Kinda want to reach out an touch them. As per suggestions about a bit of shadow I would usually agree, however on this piece where the chicks extend from end to end separating the "sky" from "ground" I visually don't think it's that necessary. I do like the suggestion of a couple of seeds or a bit of straw for the one to peck at. Notice the one behind has an eye on the same thing. Just a few - 3 or so would do it. Definitely use a uv protective nonglare glass for watercolor. Not only does it give protection, I think it adds another dimension to the work.

NZJen - Your bluejay is very nicely done. The only suggestion is to add a bit more distinction between his wings ... his right wing - laying over the top of his left wing.  Love the "attitude" of this guy.  You captured him wonderfully.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 8:44 AM

Bonnie, very cute chicks.  I like that you changed the position of the left one and have him leaning into the painting.    You did well with the colors.  I agree that a shadow under their feet would anchor them.  Nice work.

NZJen, great little painting of the jay.  Love the colors and the looseness of the fence or wall or whatever it is.  He looks very stately.

To put a permanent signature on your posts click on Edit Profile at the top of the page.  Then click on Site Options.  Scroll down to the signature line and type in your name.  If you would like for people to comment and critique your work, type C&C.

Kim513 wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 8:46 AM

Bonnie - I see great personality in the chiks and a sibling squabble about to happen.  Love it as it is, but whatever you decide (seeds or not), will be great. The colors contrast nicely with background/foreground for a crisper feel vs. their softness.  Super choice on mat/frame.

NZJen - Your jay turned out wonderful. The berries are a nice offset for him. The colors you chose for your jay show a beautiful variety. I think you should be very pleased with this one!

NZJen wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 12:45 PM

Thankyou for the comments. Thanks for the tips about the wings Sheila and advice about the signature Sam.

Bonnie - just looking back at the original chicks picture, what about a few dots in the lighter colour under the chicks just to ground them a little? But as they are already so good I completely understand your reluctance! Try it out on a colour print out first?

jm7445 wrote

on 24 Jan 2013 4:21 PM

Bonnie - Great Peeps!