Well, here we are, a mere eight years after I first did the sketch for a painting to give to my daughter's friend (aged 13) as a Bat Mitzvah present. Now the lovely and talented Ari is not only a Bat Mitzvah (still), but at this point she's also a junior in college, and just a tad past her majority (as in, she turned 21 in January). Gee, how time flies when you're working on a piece of art...
But the good news (I think) is that I've finally finished the painting, really and truly! I've been posting images of the work in progress over the past coupla years (I think I started the actual PAINTING of it in, what, 2008 maybe?) and so now I will post the Big Finish.
Changes between the last post of the piece-in-progress and the truly final and forever done with* result are lots of washes. Lots and lots (and LOTS) of washes. To try to get the contrast and the lighting effect I was going for. For which I was going, I mean. And I did have help, in that I got some very good and very helpful advice from One Who Shall Remain Nameless, but who, let's just say, knows a thing or two about watercolor, lots of washes, and ultramarine blue (not to mention raw umber and payne's gray.) It was great to have This Person weigh in at the moment when I was feeling somewhat stuck, not knowing how to move forward. This Person was further kind enough not to comment on (the many) cringe-worthy drawing errors, which I'm quite sure he noticed.
[*I had cut it off the watercolor board and even scanned it when I decided that the foliage in the foreground was too light, so back I went to add more washes -- oh boy, ultramarine blue and that green mix I love -- and some more payne's gray outline. Then I realized that I simply had to Stop and declare it Finished.)
So -- back to Point the First, above -- here we are, eight years later. And I think it's an okay painting. I mean, I am in fact pretty pleased with the result (though I want you to know that I do see and can tell you Every Single Thing that is wrong with it, but only if you email me privately. What the heck, you can see 'em for yourself in any case). But it was a labor of love, and I think I learned something about painting, as I was doing this on my own time (hah!), rather than on a deadline for a client.
Next thing is to get it framed and present it to the Bat Mitzvah Girl. At this point I have my doubts as to whether or not she still has any interest in fairies, but oh well. I do hope she doesn't mind how, um, late the gift is.
But the good news (I think) is that I've finally finished the painting, really and truly! I've been posting images of the work in progress over the past coupla years (I think I started the actual PAINTING of it in, what, 2008 maybe?) and so now I will post the Big Finish.
Changes between the last post of the piece-in-progress and the truly final and forever done with* result are lots of washes. Lots and lots (and LOTS) of washes. To try to get the contrast and the lighting effect I was going for. For which I was going, I mean. And I did have help, in that I got some very good and very helpful advice from One Who Shall Remain Nameless, but who, let's just say, knows a thing or two about watercolor, lots of washes, and ultramarine blue (not to mention raw umber and payne's gray.) It was great to have This Person weigh in at the moment when I was feeling somewhat stuck, not knowing how to move forward. This Person was further kind enough not to comment on (the many) cringe-worthy drawing errors, which I'm quite sure he noticed.
[*I had cut it off the watercolor board and even scanned it when I decided that the foliage in the foreground was too light, so back I went to add more washes -- oh boy, ultramarine blue and that green mix I love -- and some more payne's gray outline. Then I realized that I simply had to Stop and declare it Finished.)
So -- back to Point the First, above -- here we are, eight years later. And I think it's an okay painting. I mean, I am in fact pretty pleased with the result (though I want you to know that I do see and can tell you Every Single Thing that is wrong with it, but only if you email me privately. What the heck, you can see 'em for yourself in any case). But it was a labor of love, and I think I learned something about painting, as I was doing this on my own time (hah!), rather than on a deadline for a client.
Next thing is to get it framed and present it to the Bat Mitzvah Girl. At this point I have my doubts as to whether or not she still has any interest in fairies, but oh well. I do hope she doesn't mind how, um, late the gift is.
5 comments:
hooray, hooray! it looks really beautiful, mum. kudos!
The lighting effects are very lovely, and who wouldn't want a beautiful painting made just for her?
Absolutely gorgeous, Rebecca!
It was great seeing the process! I am just starting to think about how to handle a new picture book with many night scenes and this was so helpful to see. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you for the kind words, you three!
total stunner!
night-timne scenes are SO difficult, but you make it look effortless...
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