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Saturday, May 19, 2012

I've Always Wanted to Try This ...

Julian, as Romeo

Paulina, as the Mona Lisa
 
My sketch of Majesty, the rescue horse

Some color swatches, to see how they mix on the paper, and how well they lift

More swatches, and my basic animal color mixture - quin. burnt orange, quin. violet and indanthrone blue.


I've always admired and been tantalized by the lifting technique used so beautifully by Roland Roycroft and Cheng Khee Chee. It involves saturating the paper, applying your pure colors and letting them blend on the paper, and then lifting as it dries and after the paint has dried. This method gives such a gorgeous glow and cohesion to  the painting. I've never really felt I could handle it, but I think the time is now, and the painting of Majesty demands its use. I'd like to have his head and neck finding its way out of the dark, just as he himself was found and rescued. Wish me luck!
I also have the sketches of my niece and nephew ready on watercolor paper. These are more "fun" paintings [I say that now ...]
As always, I love to get your comments!

  

11 comments:

  1. Wow Kathryn, I have just googled those two artists you mentioned: fabulous! I did not know this technique but I'd like to try it. Of course I wish you luck, and looking at those fantastic sketches, you'll do fine!

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  2. Kathryn, your sketches are beautiful! You definitely know how to draw. I look forward to seeing the finished pieces.

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  3. I really like these sketches, Kathryn, You could cast you niece as Juliet, too.
    What colors were you using for your swatches? I can't make out your notes.

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  4. I can't wait to see these portraits finished, Kathryn. You did an incredible job on them already! Love them.!

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  5. LOVE your sketches Kathryn! And I think this technique is going to be very exciting to see what you do with it. :)

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  6. Your fun.
    I know that my mama wishes she could paint and explore new possiblilitys like you. There is something about your spirit that makes me feel happy. There is something about you that is always wanting to try something new and challenging.
    I have a feeling you will be just as you are when you get to be 100 years old!
    love
    tweedles

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  7. I've not heard fo that technique, so I'm off to google!
    I really am looking forward to seeing what you do. Any chance of a step by step?

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  8. You can do it Kathryn, I know you can ! Your sketches are AWESOME ! xox

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  9. Really looking forward to this now. All the best to you. I loved the sketches. Especially the first one with that angle of the face.

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  10. Wow! This looks like it's going to be exciting! Majesty will be a success I know! But how will you do the other two portraits? Will you set them in period costume?

    Thanks for explaining 'lifting' ... I will try painting one day ... but, just like you, I always have so much on.

    Look forward to developments, Kathryn - I can sense your excitement!

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  11. I love your ideas! They are inspiring! And lovely sketches :0)

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