Friday, 7 December 2012

Water

This was the subject at a recent AVA session. In my case I just happened to see a photograph in the Guardian newspaper about offshore tax avoidance which highlighted the tiny Caribbean Island of Nevis - 20000 companies supposedly based there in a single building, actually just a postbox!. The photo was of two fishermen and their boat on the beach.


The early stages


18" x 12" Fabriano Artistico Extra White 140lb (300gsm) Not

My initial approach was to make as careful a drawing of the boat and the two fishermen as I am able. The rest just involved a few pencil lines for the land on the horizon. I first painted the sky, although I returned to it later with Cobalt Blue and a diluted solution, where I added some Burnt Sienna to grey it for the lighter areas.  I also added stronger Cobalt at the top after wetting the paper. Colours were Cobalt Blue, Burnt Sienna, Raw Umber, Raw Sienna, some Phalo Blue (Cyan - Maimeri) and I think the red was Quinacridone Fuschia (Daniel Smith PR202). The skin colour of the man on the left was Cadmium Red and  Raw Sienna with some Cerulean for the shaded areas. I think that's it although I've probably missed something out. 

As this was at the AVA I used my Escoda and Isabey retractable brushes sizes 12 down to 4. I am fairly happy with the final result as I rarely do such subjects.
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12 comments:

  1. Yvonne Harry7 December 2012 at 05:50

    I like this one Peter, especially the sky and the front view of the boat.

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  2. Peter Ward7 December 2012 at 06:48

    Thanks for commenting Yvonne. It's a simple composition that works fairly well.

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  3. Unknown7 December 2012 at 08:54

    This is an excellent piece of work and benefits from the tight control you have exhibited over colour and value. Great work, Peter.

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  4. Peter Ward7 December 2012 at 09:39

    Thanks Mick. More your type of subject than mine but I quite liked painting this one. Nice and simple.

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  5. ann @ studiohyde7 December 2012 at 14:56

    This is really good Peter. You must be pleased with it. Have a good weekend.

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  6. Peter Ward8 December 2012 at 02:00

    Thank you for those kind words Ann. The fact that this was such a simple composition helped enormously. I think watercolour benefits from simplicity.

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  7. Ray Maclachlan Art8 December 2012 at 02:35

    You have captured the light on the figures and the boat roller beautifully Peter. Very nice composition.

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  8. Peter Ward8 December 2012 at 04:55

    Thank you Ray. The composition was ready made so I don't claim any credit for that

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  11. Jim12 December 2012 at 21:36

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    ReplyDelete
  12. Peter Ward13 December 2012 at 00:32

    Welcome Jim and thanks for commenting.

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