All Media Photo Challenge15, January, 2012

sandichot wrote

on 21 Jan 2012 8:13 PM

Jen, Sammy- I also agreed that the distant rocks should be toned down a bit but have to find the right colors since there are only 15 colors in the set and there is no grey just black and white.

Jen- I am attaching another photo that was taken at the same time but I turned the painting around in many different positions I may have tilted some of them. So let me know whether the horizon still looks wobbly. The problem with this medium is I can't do detail work. I used two big brushes to mix colors right on paper because small ones won't do and it bothers me that I can't do detail work like Acrylic or Oil or even Watercolor. I felt like I was back in middle school starting to learn how to paint again. Anyhow I finished this painting in about 3 or maybe 3.5 hrs which is a record time for me. It is a fun project and not a keeper. Maybe if I persist I will be able to master it.

Sammy - The box says Neocolor II Watersoluble and in fine prints it says Water-soluble wax pastel. It is Swiss made Caran D'Ache.

Thanks for comments, guys.

.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 21 Jan 2012 8:48 PM

Sandi, my Neocolor ll tin doesn't say anything about wax pastels.  I've had them for a number of years and they may have added that term more recently.

Try using the complementary color, light violet, to tone down the yellow-orange.  I usually dip my brush into water, blot it and then rub it on the crayon to pick up color and paint with that.  I think you would have more control.  The foreground water is so nice and beautiful.  It amazes me that you did it with that method.  Good for you.

I use those crayon dry very often to add a highlight or to touch up or correct an error..  I use them over wc, cp and even with oil pastel.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 4:59 PM

 Here's my rendition of the dahlia.  It was fun to do especially since I used my favorite colors.  It is 4"x4" on Crescent Illustration Board using Prismacolor pencils.  It was more work than expected.

 This frame that I bought at a thrift store inspired me to paint the miniature.  I have not cut a mat yet.  When I do it will be off white - a very pale cream.  What you see here is a piece of card stock.

sandichot wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 5:01 PM

Sammy, Jen- Thanks for the suggestions. Of course using complimentary colors to grey down or tone down your problem area is a standard practice of every artist worth his salt. I did applied violet onto the distant rocks as soon as I finished and noticed the problem but it didn't work in this case because when I wet it the colors mixed together instead of one on top of the other. It seemed to get even darker so I left it as it was.    What I did this time is I applied white soft pastel onto the black distant rocks that still showed hints of violet and it is grayed down. I also touched that same white soft pastel onto the yellow rocks and they are toned down too.

Jen, I used a ruler to check the horizon this time and if it still has curvature, it really is an optical illusion. The reference I used for this group of rocks may have come from Australia or Newfoundland, hence the reddish, yellowish colors all over them.

Sammy- You may be right that they may have added the word "wax" on to the Neocolors II later. Or maybe they have just really added "wax" onto it later on, who knows? The box says 15 sticks but it has two of red, green, tan, and blue, only in different shades. I also have a set of soft pastel that says 12 and they have more variety in colors, such as peach, two yellows. two reds, two greens, one blue violet, one brown, one black, one white. I like its vibrant colors but have not use it too often due to my allergies to dust. Just use it sometimes to highlight  my watercolor painting.   

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 5:06 PM

Sandi, you managed to tone down those distant rocks very well.  I am fascinated by the movement of the water and the beautiful colors of the water.  Nice painting.

sandichot wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 5:11 PM

Sammy- It seems  we cross-posted and I am glad. People might be getting sick of my painting already but I had to reluctantly posted it so you can see I had made my correction. 

This is a very excellent work of the Dahlia and in your favorite colors too. The size fits in with Miniature work standard. I think you should send it into the Florida show next year. They start early around November for submitting. You can check their website if you want I can e-mail to you, just let me know.

wetpaperfan wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 5:49 PM

OH SAM -  That is absolutely lovely.   can't say anymore words.  What an amazing piece.

I will have to find some frames.

wetpaperfan wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 5:54 PM

Sandi,  I like the toned down back ground as well.   the colors are nice,  Great job,  I can hear the wave....

sandichot wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 7:25 PM

Thanks, Sammy, Jen, Marsha - You guys are my rocks!

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 22 Jan 2012 7:38 PM

Sandi, Jen, Marsha, thank you for your kind, encourageing words regarding my mini dahlia.

Sandi, yes, do send me the Web site for the miniature shows.  I have always worked big but may enjoy doing a few small pieces.

wetpaperfan wrote

on 23 Jan 2012 4:42 AM

Sam - I was looking at your lovely Dalia in the frame and wondered if you might consider a very dark green mat?  just a thought