I have been practicing these dandelion heads for some time and only now have I managed something half decent. Thought I would post this one even though there were a few things I could have done to make it more lively. I should have spattered masking fluid before starting to preserve some whites. And maybe cobalt blue would have been better than the indigo I used. I will definitely work on perfecting the technique. I bought this great bottle of masking fluid by Daniel Smith that has different size applicator heads, including very fine ones for masking out the the fine white lines of the dandelion. Other colors I used were Daniel Smith's quinacridone gold by itself and mixed with alizarin crimson in areas. Lots of spattering and some salt also.
Last week I went to a demonstration of Daniel Smith watercolors and I must say I am quite smitten. They have some beautiful colors and I ended up spending way too much stocking up on a lot of their granulating colors because I love using textures in my watercolors. The representative from Daniel Smith told us that their watercolors have more pigment in them than other watercolors. They can also be resurrected after they have dried out. I tested this and the colors stay as vibrant. Quite impressed.
Well, this has got to be an insanely difficult subject for a watercolorist ... I would never even know where or how to begin (I have many photos of exploded milkweed pods, which offer similar difficulties--and appeal--as a subject).
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic painting: love the light, airy dandelion and the cool blues.
I have a number of DS colors and love the serpentine and cascade greens too.
It is a classic water color, very subtle and ethereal .while I love the indigo touches, cobalt blue would give it an altogether different energy, each has its own visual effect. Very beautiful work, loved it so much!
ReplyDeleteHello Jean, your watercolor of the Dandelion heads, is absolutely a work of high quality. I am always fascinated by the originality of your backgrounds and by your technique. Great job!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I would have never thought to attempt dandelions. I think all your practice made perfect.
ReplyDeletewell done jean you kept with it ...can see very fine lines there ...daniel smith masking fluid sounds interesting .. enjoy your new colours :)
ReplyDeleteI love this painting Jean and it looks far from easy. Great work.
ReplyDeleteUno sfondo stupendo. Questo è lo stile che mi piace tanto
ReplyDeleteJean this is beautiful! I love the way you've kept it so free and semi-abstract. And the colour is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI've only got one tube of Daniel Smith watercolours (to try) but i must admit i really like the way it handles so I'm definitely going to buy more ... and thanks for your 'test' info :)
Jean, your work has an admirable color sense. I especially like Moonlight scene. I've used some of their colors as well. Every once in awhile they have a special on their sample sheets where they sell dots of colors for about $7.50. Worth trying I think. And thanks for signing up to be a follower on my blog!
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