Yesterday was a very long, but very interesting day. I was in heaven at times and in the depths of despair at others. I tried very hard to get out of the doldrums reminding myself that watercolor is a difficult medium and that I shouldn't expect that I will be a natural at it. It is just that it looks so simple and easy. I watched Joe do a lovely large landscape of a river meandering through a misty background with a dead tree and rocks and he made a beautiful painting so nonchalantly. I was almost weepy during my first attempt, but quickly pulled myself out of it and turned over my picture and just played with color.
I was really good at one thing - or at least I didn't suck at it. I had never done a value study before and felt that I wouldn't be able to get it, but I kind of like it. What do you think?
For whatever it is worth, the value was the high point of my day, but the resulting mess that was supposed to result from this study is disgustingly awful. My first impulse was to throw it away; but overnight I decided to bring it home and cut it into ATC sized pieces and use it as backgrounds for small works of art.
And I have a picture of myself with Cheap Joe Miller. This may be the only photo I'll ever have taken with a "celebrity" so I decided to share even though I only like to be on the other side of the camera.
After class last evening, we took a break and then walked about town. What a great area - loads of shops (but they mostly closed at 5:30). We had a lovely dinner at Alpenrose. I had whitefish and Jan had homemade ravioli - delish! We then walked around for a long time and when we got back to the room, I was quite swollen and sore again. I iced and then took Benadryl before bed. Interestingly, while the Benadryl put me to sleep the night before, this time I felt wired and had a very difficult time getting to sleep.
Up at the crack of dawn this morning and the swelling is down quite a bit and my lower leg is no longer red. Tonight after class, I am planning to ice before going out to explore.
I hope to have more to share with you tomorrow.
xoxo
You've done a really good job on your value study! Watercolor is so hard--it dries so fast, that you don't have any time to spare!! Keep trying!
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job with the value study! Not only is it a good little drawing, but you also did interesting things with the values. Do Not Despair!!! If you already knew how to do watercolors, you wouldn't be there, would you! Well, maybe you would, but you would be teaching the class. Take good care of yourself, soak up all you can, and play with it. hugs, nancy
ReplyDeleteYour value sketch is really well done and I hope you work out your other frustrations on days two and three. It sounds like you're having a great time and making the most of a wonderful opportunity.
ReplyDeleteohhhh so that's what he looks like!!! lucky you! BTW....been meaning to ask you Vicki....did you paint your blog banner?
ReplyDeleteYou can make your painting into ATC backgrounds but do scan it first so you can see how far you improve over time. Put a date on it too.
ReplyDeleteI really recommend Laure's classes. In our journals we work small so it seems to be easier. I couldn't paint at all before taking her classes.
The value sketch is wonderful! You should be pleased.
ReplyDeleteNice sketch and I really love those tones. Something about the workshop too, I mean, could there be any better workshop if it's called Cheap Joe? =)
ReplyDeleteThe photo is awesome too!
Vicki: I don't know of anyone who isn't ready to toss everything in th trash when first starting watercolor painting. It's very hard to control, but you WILL "get it"...it takes practice, lots of it. I took a class from one of our regional artists, it was a bit overwhelming for me, then I found a local teacher whose classes were much smaller with lots of personal attention. If you can find someone in your town, do enroll.
ReplyDeleteDon't cut up your painting...I've kept every single one, just to show my progress, or like some one else said, at least scan/date it.
I don't know what kind of paints you're using or what kind of paper. Get artist quality paints, and the best paper you can afford, like Arches 140 lb cold press. I haven't tried Cheap Joes paints but friends have and like them, especially the quinacridones...student grade paints are a handicap, IMHO, making the painting more difficult and the effects of transparent watercolors very hard to achieve. They aren't a bargain.
The value study is very nice. Don't be discouraged...it's a struggle at the start.
Nice photo and very good value sketch too Don't worry , we all go through negative moments and watercolour can be elating and infurating. To me it's the "revenge" of water: it can accept to play with you or play on its own...and yet it's so interesting and full of surprises - good or bad ! Just enjoy what is good for you !
ReplyDeleteYour value study is really great and I shouldn't worry about the resulting watercolour. I am very quickly learning that anything you do can be a useful learning tool, even if you throw it in the bin afterwards (but better to keep it as a record of your progress).
ReplyDeleteHow cheap is Joe? I might be interested :-)
Lovely value study - I went on a one week watercolour course a few years ago in the UK. It was so exciting but also exhausting. I also had my highs and lows in the week, but looking back at my work, I am very pleased with it. I use watercolour pencils now, but really want to try the paints again - I will follow your blog and see how your thoughts go...
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you resued your art fro the trash!! I really liked your value study
ReplyDeleteAre you in Holland taking the class? If so, there is an adorable shop called Seedlings that you MUST check out. It is located right downtown at 128 S. River Ave.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if you make it there and what you think of it :)
Your values study is excellent! I really like the flower photo too--the was it is offset a bit--a good composition.
ReplyDeleteI've never had much luck with watercolour so I feel for you. The value drawing is good though so all is not lost.
ReplyDeleteKeep you leg elevated.
How come I relate so well to your ups and downs in the class? I have cut down paintings and used them for as quick notes to friends and an address plate on a box. Talk about classy! I was hoping that your aches had vanished. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI love Jesse/Joan's comment. I'm going to write that one down to remember on those days when I feel like you! It IS a hard medium! Just make sure you take copious notes, and then when you get home, try again. And again.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic value sketch! Have fun!
Vicki, good for you for taking a watercolor workshop! I'm taking my first one in a few weeks in the Toledo area. I feel a bit intimidated as well, never having attended one, so I feel your despair.
ReplyDeleteThat said, everyone else here has great comments about sticking with it and then one day.... POOF! It will fall together in place. Then the next day you'll be back to feeling like you know nothing. Such is the creative life where an artist is never happy with what they've done. Sometimes when people really like a certain piece of mine, I think to myself, "That's crap, how can they like that??" But remember that what you like/don't like is not necessarily what the general public will feel.
By the way, love the value study you did. Absolutely wonderful. Sorry to hear about your health woes too. Hope you feel better soon.
Also, trying to remember where Holland is in relation to Battle Creek. Are you near the oil spill area at all?
You are having an exciting time! Glad you are enjoying yourself. Your value sketch is very good so you are achieving! Looking forward to the next instalment..
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