I've had very little time for myself since just before Xmas and 'art' just isn't getting a look in. Life does get in the way sometimes. I don't know about you guys but there comes a time when I just have to do something about it ... anything!!! This evening, in desperation, I scanned through some of my holiday photo's and came across this shot of some boats moored in the harbour at Scarborough. When I saw them last year I was immediately struck by their bright colours and just knew I had to paint them one day.Anyway, with a little under an hour to play with (it usually takes me an hour to get all my stuff out and decide which pen to use) I decided on a quick pen & wash. I attempted to work quickly with the pen to try and get some energy into the pen strokes but I'm still too cautious - but I'm getting there. I chose a brush about 37 sizes bigger than the one I normally use (or at least, that's how it felt). Working quickly without waiting for previous area's to dry has made this a bit messy but still, it's made a reasonable little picture and I'm certainly feeling a lot better for having done it.
I really like this painting John. Nice and fresh, I especially like the reflections of the boats.
ReplyDeleteI like it too. Sometimes it is a good thing to have so little time, I love the reflections in the water.
ReplyDeleteno, no, not messy. you can see the looser syle, the way the color bleeds into another, that gives it life...and the best thing you did was using that GIGANTIC brush... oh what was that size again?
ReplyDeleteLOL ! BJ
Looks good John - and I know what you mean about I MUST get on and do something :)
ReplyDeleteThank heaven for size 300 brushes which make you work more loosely, eh? :lol:
Glad to see you again, John...I love this watercolor painting. Beautiful colors and reflections. The boat in the distance take my eyes everywhere..well done!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ann. Those reflections came out better than I thought they would.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Judy. Quick a loose can create some nice results and is great fun. Thank you.
BJ, I used to think colours bleeding into each other showed a lack of control. I'm only just beginning to appreciate the artiness it can give to a painting. Thanks for the comment and it's good to see you up and about again. ;-)
Thank you Pat. So you've got a size 300 too then? lol.
Hilda, I didn't know whether to put any background boats in but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much.
Wonderful. I admire your confident line work!
ReplyDeleteHappy Painting,
Nora
Thank you for seeing my line work as confident Nora. That is my goal but feel I need to get more energy into the lines, like you do.
DeleteI don't think you have been too cautious at all - This is SO up my street! This is my idea of the PERFECT page in a sketchbook. I absolutely LOVE it! Like you, I normally take far to long just deciding what medium to use etc and somehow this really puts me off sketching. Your sketches I am finding to be really inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI used to think that sketches should only take a few minutes to do and so I felt rushed, like I had failed if I didn't produce a lively sketch in a really short time - but actually I am learning that this just isn't true at all. Sketches can take a minute, to much, much longer - an hour even, it really doesn't matter! Just love doing it!
Sandra you are always such a big boost to my confidence. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your comment. ;-)
DeleteWhen the urge of painting comes this is when you do the best stuff. This is so pretty, the boats look so cute huddled together in the foreground, and the feeling of distance in the harbour is wonderful. Wish you lots of painting urges :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Jane. Can't wait for the next urge. lol
DeleteKudos to you for doing something, and very nice it is too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sue. Hopefully it won't be too long before I have time to do a 'proper' painting/drawing.
DeleteWonderful John, really well done in a short time....I like your style! Ciao!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Tito, and thank you for visiting my blog. It's much appreciated.
DeleteJohn it's wonderful. So happy your broke through the limited time barrier. We all have to do that, just holding the pen or brush in hand is soothing and therapeutic. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Joan ... I'm off to get some more therapy. ;-)
DeleteI hear you about life getting in the way. Sometines I just want to shut myself up in my studio and not let the outside world in. It's a great feeling when you create something that pleases you. and it certainly shows in your pen and wash. You have captured the quaintness of the harbor scene.
ReplyDeleteJean
Jean, I know what you mean about shuting yourself in the studio. Thank you for your lovely comment.
DeleteIt looks great John. I really love the reflections on the water especially. And gosh doesn't it feel good to just paint something? That's how I feel come Monday when the family goes back to work and school. :)))
ReplyDeleteThank you Crystal. Yes, it feels good to paint something .... anything. I look forward to when I have enough time to paint more than these quick sketches.
DeleteLovely fresh sketch, John. A great subject and nice to see you using both pen and watercolour wash! We really must get together for a sketch day soon ... when the weather gets better that is :)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Michael, I really appreciate it. Oh yes, getting together for a sketch day would be great fun. I look forward to it. :)
Deletebeautifully done john! so charming.i love the feeling of pen and wash...wonderful! isn't it uncomfortable when you're itching to work and time doesn't permit it! gak! so glad you found the time!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Suzanne. Oh yes, that itch just has to get scratched. :)
DeleteWonderful John! : )
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Sadeu.
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