Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Prickly Pear Study - WIP 1





Since I like to update my blog more frequently than I have this past week I will add my current WIP. This is a quarter-sheet study for a larger (14x30) painting I already have drawn onto paper and waiting for me to work out the problems in this study, first.

I have the lighter colors of the underpainting done so I can establish location of everything and now I get to do the fun part; making it more alive by the addition of the darker modeling shadows and the even more exciting cast shadows. Now, we can all have something different to look at than the Supai Falls, enough already!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Susan...do you do a small study for every painting you do? As you go along, could you also include the paint colors you use for your shadows. This is looking good !!
Carol

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Hi Carol,

No, I only do smaller studies for a) larger paintings, or b)subjects I have failed to paint to my satisfaction before and need to have techniques perfected or c)to try out a brand new technique to see what it will get me. I find that I have to choose wisely for the studies since I lose a bit of the excitement and inspiration for starting a second painting once I do it for a study. But, for some of them I feel it is necessary.

I'll include my paint colors in the next posting, might have to write them down, though, instead of just grabbing and painting. No problem...

Nick said...

I like the final version, but would you believe I like this stage even more? (maybe with a few more odds and ends). Just another opinion, and shows there is an admirer for everything out there.

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Now you tell me, Nick! LOL. I am working on the 18x30 larger painting this was the study for right now and I think I liked it at the stage it was two stages ago! I think I am going to like the larger one eventually better than now, it is just in that awkward teenage stage and I need to let it grow up a bit. I am trying to glaze rich colors on the larger one a la Vicki Reed so we will see. Thanks for looking!