I often do small sketches to try out different techniques and color combinations before starting a larger painting. The one above is 5" x 7". I was playing around with the new acrylic inks that I bought and was experimenting mixng them in with regular watercolors. The cliff is made up mostly of the acrylic inks. The watercolor below is just a little larger but was also done to test color selections. I find it very useful to do these small sketches. It also is a good exercise in loosening up because I do them rather quickly. I usually use these as greeting cards for family and friends. I cut and fold watercolor paper a little larger than the sketch and then glue the painting to the front of the card. My friends and family love getting these original greeting cards. However, I really like these two and decided to put them up for sale on my web site.
Was the second one done on yupo? They are both fun paintings.
ReplyDeleteI painted the second one on hot pressed paper.
DeleteJean, these are great! I too have experimented with acrylic inks and they take a bit of getting used to as the slightest drop is so intense.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maggie. I discovered the hard way how intense the colors are, but watered down they are almost like watercolors. Mixing them with opposites also tones down the color. I love mixing them in with my watercolors when I need a lot of texture.
DeleteBoth are magnificent, for me they make lovely little jewels that can be hung on the wall in a group! Have you tried watercolor varnish, so glass can be avoided while framing?
ReplyDeleteThank you Padmaja. I did not know you could get varnish for watercolors. I do like framing them under glass though.
DeleteTwo lovely ones and what a great idea to make them into cards. I have sometimes painted directly onto a watercolour card only to be unhappy with it and wasted it. I will keep this way in mind, thanks Jean
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine. I do this because I also have had failures when painting directly on to cards.
DeleteI love acrylic inks, but as you say, you have to treat them with caution! Love the textures on the top one. Good idea to do quick sketches like this to loosen up - something I haven't been doing, but probably should!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynn for visiting my blog and commenting. I also favor the top one because of the textures. I love creating texture in my watercolors.
DeleteHi Jean, your ability in combining the colours is enchanting me every time. Both are absolutely beautiful. Great works!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tito.
DeleteGorgeous little pieces Jean... I have made cards like that as well, it's a great idea. I love acrylic ink too, got hooked when I saw Ann Blockley use it in a demo and now have about 9 colours. Don't know if you have tried it but they work well with granulating medium, creating lots of texture... in fact looks like that on the first one....
ReplyDeleteThanks Judith. I did use granulation medium in the first sketch. I love he way the inks granulate.
ReplyDeleteWonderful textures and atmosphere in these two little paintings, Jean. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you Vandy. I enjoy painting these small sketches.
Deletecan see why you love these two jean .
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