This painting was completed last year. Once it was framed, it kept bothering me that something was not right. In a reference book written by Elizabeth Kincaid, she painted some tulips which gave me some ideas to improve the presentation of my flower.
I applied washes of permanent red, cad red, cad red deep, and carmine to the petals. Clear water was used with each wash to avoid a muddy look. I lightened the dark center, and added more Hansa Yellow Light, and a touch of Phyalo Green which was used in the background.I added more washes of Phyalo Green to the background using the wet-on-wet technique.
I will reframe it, hang it, and recritique it at a later date. Right now, I am extremely happy with the outcome.
After
"Pink Lilies"
You just finished painting the flowers on this watercolor; and now it's time to paint the background. After wetting the paper and applying the dark color, you notice a flaw on the paper. There is a partial "halo" around the bottom of the lowest petal, which runs across bottom half of the paper. It takes on a lighter hue than the rest of the background. What should you do?
No matter how dark I would go, the "halo" would be lighter. I tried erasing it with a sea sponge, but to no avail. This flaw was caused from the sizing applied at the paper company. My options were to toss out the painting, or try salvaging it, but how?
It was suggested to me to try hard pastels for the background. Not touching the petals, I applied pastels to the background and created the leaves and buds only. As a result, not only did I save my painting, but it is now one of my favorites.
"Sisters 1" Acrylic
For years, most of the subjects were generated from my photos. For some reason, I was afraid to challenge myself and think outside the box. A gallery I show in Seattle had a themed show called "A Room Full of Sisters" by Mona Lake Jones. I decided that this was the time to experiment and use my own creativity--no photographs. Asking myself what did I want to show were (1) big beautiful hats, (2) brightly colored apparel, (3) variety in women's shapes, and (4) a close friendship between the women.
As I was finishing up Sisters 1, my creative juices started flowing again. I visualized another scenerio, and a second painting was born. Again, my emphasis was on black women's hats, their colorful attire, and the wonderful friendship these women have with each other.
"Sisters 2" Acrylic
Copyright 2006 by Shirley Rudolf's Watercolors. Artwork may not be used without permission of the Artist. All Rights Reserved. Last Updated December 2007.
