Friday, January 25, 2013

Watching the Waves Dance_A Watercolor Portrait

"Watching the Waves Dance"
15"x 22"
Watercolor Paper 
Having spent a fortune on  the pricey Arches 300 lb sheets last month, I have been feeling a little guilty about not using them as yet for my portraits.The reason being- inability to find a perfect subject to paint! (or was it the fear of wasting a good paper with a mediocre painting?!) Well finally I got over this fear/ indecisiveness last evening as I fished out an old photograph that was taken in 2010.Its of my nephew on Lido beach in Hong Kong, and one of my favorites.Some of my old friends here would probably recognize it because I painted in once in the same year; You may take a peak at the old one here....but I do  feel that my art and my techniques have changed a lot since then, (hopefully for  better! :)) So I went ahead and painted it again.
My conclusion? My skills in painting skin tones on the limbs need some polishing, I particularly struggled with shadows on his legs and feet.I think I should paint a few more like these....

14 comments:

  1. Arti, I think this is just a beautiful work of art. I think your skin tones are gorgeous and I see no issues with the shadows. I find myself wishing I was standing right where this little guy is standing too. And oh! Hearing the sighing of the waves...

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    1. Sherry,I still think I need practice, but thank you for your confidence in my abilities! :)

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  2. It's beautifully done Arti! I find the skin tones and the shadow perfect just like everything else in the painting. Lovely composition too.

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  3. You are amazing, Arti!! This is a fantastic watercolor! Skin tones, color and shadow work..PERFECT!

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    1. Thanks you Hilda.I would prefer my watercolors to be more fluid,though.Thank you for your kind comment!

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  4. Both versions of the painting are great. Wonderful color range in the most recent.

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    1. Old one did not have any detail, it was just an impression of what I saw.This one was constructed with detail in mind. I like it; but I just wish that it looked more fluid and transparent.I guess I am new to this paper, it will take 2- 3 more paintings to understand it's nature.

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  5. Arti, your painting has improved so much since I have been following you!!! This portrait of your nephew is brilliant! Love how you have rendered the shoreline!

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    1. I agree with you, Kathryn.My art has changed a lot in last two years.There is still a lot to improve, and I am working on it.

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  6. I think it's just beautiful Arti! His clothes are so beautiful and the fresh colors are great. I really love this:)

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  7. That was awesome! Before and after is so telling, though I like the first painting too, just not as much. Isn't it wonderful to see your own development?

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