Saturday, 29 December 2012

Trial run!


During one of my plein air walks in early summer, I took a photograph of this fabulous house. I was taken by the manicured lawns, the perfectly planted flower beds and borders, and the structural framework of the surrounding trees, especially the large Copper Beech tree.

It has been quite a while since I last used my brushes and I felt the need for a bit of a practice before painting anything proper, and when I flicked through my library of reference photo's this one jumped out at me. As a 'refresher' practice piece I wasn't too fussy about lines and colours but I really like the way it's come out and wish I'd made a greater effort. So, I will be doing this one again and hopefully benefiting from the trial-run.


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33 comments:

  1. Barbra Joan30 December 2012 at 00:48

    If this is just a trial run, I can't wait to see the 'real one'. It doesn't get any better than this.. the subject, colours, fresh. I especially like your greens.
    Very 'English watercolour'. An excellent effort ..
    BJ

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  2. hmuxo30 December 2012 at 01:24

    This is definitely a beautiful watercolor, John. Wonderful details..I love the dark tree on the left...it brings everything else out. Nicely done!

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    1. John (JWJarts)31 December 2012 at 11:27

      Thank you Hilda. I agree with you about the dark tree but I'd like to make it less 'blobby' in the final version.

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  3. Judy30 December 2012 at 09:03

    It's beautiful, John! There is always the danger that the trial one will better than the second one, that is what happens to me often. ;)

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    1. John (JWJarts)31 December 2012 at 11:29

      Oh, I know what you mean Judy. Many times my 'final version' don't turn out as nice as my 'trial run'. Glad it's not just me. ;)

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  4. Laura30 December 2012 at 11:34

    This is fab John. I love the strength of colour. The drawing is superb of course from you. Sometimes I do think we need to practice a piece to get to know the subject better to do it justice but as Judy said most of the time my first piece is the better one too. I think I lose spontaneity the more I do. The Group Santa Sleigh is looking great already. Can't wait to see it finished. Take care and Happy New Year. xx

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    1. John (JWJarts)31 December 2012 at 11:38

      You to!! LOL. I think you're right about the spontaneity. Yes, the Group Santa Sleigh is coming together very well. I was a bit late getting it started but we're getting there. Happy New Year.

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  5. Victor Errington30 December 2012 at 15:22

    Hi John.
    Lovely painting mate. I agree with Hilda above, the dark tree sets it all off nicely. Good drawing as usual as well. Nice one mate, keep them coming. All the best.
    Vic.

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  6. Unknown30 December 2012 at 16:23

    Looking forward to seeing more paintings now you've dusted off the brushes John.

    Wishing you and your family a happy New Year. May 2013 be happy and inspiring for you.

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  7. Catharina Engberg30 December 2012 at 20:02

    A beautyful painting! I really like the green. Beautyful soft green. And the dark tree is very good in the picture as well. I don´t think you need a second of this painting, because this one is allready very beautyful John! Take care.

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    1. John (JWJarts)31 December 2012 at 11:48

      Thank you very much Catharina, I really appreciate that. Greens has never been a strong point of mine, especially the darks. Take care.

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  8. Jane31 December 2012 at 07:34

    A beautiful and fresh watercolor...and a very lovely subject !

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  9. Gatepost productions31 December 2012 at 15:47

    Nice to see you painting again, John. And such a fresh invigorating painting it is, especially on such a black and gloomy day. Thought of you as we the train passed through Peterborough on Saturday!

    Have a great New Year!

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    1. John (JWJarts)31 December 2012 at 16:07

      Thank you very much John, I'm glad you like it. Happy New Year to you and yours.

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  10. Trudy R. Gomez31 December 2012 at 16:32

    Beautiful John! Sometimes first efforts are the best...enthusiasm plays a big role in painting. Your love of the subject shows here!

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  11. Sandra Busby2 January 2013 at 14:44

    This is really lovely John! It's sometimes hard to get back in to painting when you haven't done it for a while isn't it? My NY Resolution - Don't allow any significant break, since I almost always regret it and struggle for a while! Luckily, it doesn't seem to have affected your own work :0)

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    1. John (JWJarts)4 January 2013 at 17:23

      Thank you Sandra. I'm not getting a great deal of time for art but I also find the disciplines for detailed graphite work and for watercolours are often poles apart. I wonder if I'm wise to keep swapping from one to the other.

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  12. sue greco3 January 2013 at 03:51

    Hi John,

    I don't know what you are going to do for the second act. This is fantastic and a lovely setting.

    Happy New Year,
    Sue

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    1. John (JWJarts)4 January 2013 at 17:50

      Thank you very much Sue. Happy New Year to you.

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  13. suzanneberry6 January 2013 at 17:52

    john, this is lovely! i can hear the birds singing and smell the freshly cut lawn. i'm sorry i haven't visited much, you've been in my thoughts.

    thank you too for your kind comments on my blog, i so appreciate your support through this most difficult year. i wish you a joyous and creatively successful new year my friend!

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    1. John (JWJarts)10 January 2013 at 16:18

      Thank you very much Suzanne. It is always a pleasure to visit your blog and it warms my heart to see you doing so well.

      Delete
  14. Sandra Busby10 January 2013 at 10:15

    John, I wanted to thank you for such a lovely comment left on my Gin Bottle. I really do appreciate your on going support and encouragement, so thank you!
    I can't seem to find an email address for you though and I'm trying to answer comments that way now :0)

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    1. John (JWJarts)10 January 2013 at 16:21

      I'm not in the habit of leaving messages on Gin bottles, honest guv. Hic!
      Sent you an email so you have my address for next time Sandra. ;-)

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  15. _Frankb1012 January 2013 at 18:51

    This is a pretty little picture John - I will look forward to seeing the painting 'proper'!!!

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  16. JANE MINTER17 January 2013 at 06:39

    lovely john ..... look foward to the version ...happy new year to you

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  17. JANE MINTER17 January 2013 at 06:40

    look forward to the next version !

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Your comments are very much appreciated and I value every one. Thank you

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