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Thursday, January 9, 2014

EXOTICA: Parrot Tulips

It took me a while to decide on a format and composition for the tulips. My aunt had given me a frame to work with, and it offered a 15 x 9 inch window, so this is what I came up with. The top tulip is a Black Parrot, and the bottom is a Blue Parrot. I may call it "Parrots: Black and Blue" 

I completely masked the flowers, and started the washes - first a thin aureolin to tone down the eventual violet , then several quin. pink washes  ...

... gradated wash of phthalo blue ....

... and on and on, switching to alizarin crimson in lieu of the pink, to get more depth and darkness.

I finally have the background as dark as I want, though it would have been better if I could have achieved more of a difference between top and bottom.
I have just started the lower, lighter tulip today. So far, I am using a touch of aureolin, with quin. pink and cobalt blue, making the mixture warmer or cooler by adding cobalt blue to the lavender.
Drove into to Vancouver yesterday. Met one of my sisters at her house, and then we drove to Granville Island to drop off three paintings that were adjudicated into a show at the Federation of Canadian Artists, and did some quick shopping at the Farmers Market.  I am planning to enter several shows this year, hopefully to achieve my AFCA status. [Right now I am only an active member.]
Then we drove to the hospital to visit my aunt, who has been in there for a week.

I thank you for dropping by, and welcome your comments!

18 comments:

  1. Thanks for showing your steps, wow, amazing amount of washes for that beautiful dark background!

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  2. That drawing is exquisite. And I am sure that that AFCA status is not too far away. I hope the cold wave has not hit you and will not hit you. Stay warm.

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  3. Was going to comment on what a lot of work you put into that background, but then got to thinking how many layers go into creating backgrounds in coloured pencil so I guess there's not much difference.
    Its looking amazing already. Look forward to seeing progress

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  4. I love how the dark back ground really thrusts the flowers forward. This is going to be gorgeous! :0)

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  5. Kathryn, the tulips are going to be gorgeous! As always. . . I like the completed tugboats. More depth. I especially like how like the BC coast it feels.
    We will have to come for another visit. I think Twilight misses the farm. She has been very good with other dogs though. Thank you so much for such good care you gave her.

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  6. Am sure this will turn out fabulous. Does the drawing stay when you remove the mask?

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  7. Looks like another masterpiece is on its way ! I wonder what kind of paper you are using as it has to be able to 'hold' quite a lot of water ? xx

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  8. De beaux projets pour cette nouvelle année. Bisous.

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  9. You sure are a busy!! Can't wait to see these when they're finished, Kathryn!

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  10. Parrot tulips are gorgeous! Your drawing does them justice and the composition works. I can't wait to see where you're going after laying down that luscious violet background. Your aunt will be thrilled. I hope she's doing well.

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  11. Your steps are pretty amazing to see. It is coming out beautifully. Happy new year!

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  12. Love the progression of this painting, Kathryn.. the dark background is outstanding ...and will make the flowers pop....Hope your Aunt gets well soon.

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  13. Ok the magic is going to begin,, I just know it,, and soon we will see the tulips!!
    Come on magic- keep coming! You can do it Kat!
    love
    tweedles

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  14. It looks that it is going to be another gorgeous painting of yours Kathryn, with lovely wash and a great deal of details :0)

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  15. Wow, this painting is getting off to such a great start I can hardly wait to see it progress! Your reference drawing is beautiful. Did you do it from life? I ask, because Parrot Tulips are not always easy to find!

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  16. Parrot tulips have such complex form and your drawing is perfection. I can't wait to see how the black and blue colors turn out. And, by the way, I think the composition is well suited to how you have placed the flowers. This should be spectacular!

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  17. Dear Kathryn:) Your tulips are going to be beautiful. Can't wait to see the final result. Take care of yourself, you're so busy! Please take a look on the latest post on my blog. Have a nice sunday!!xx

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