Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Anatomy of an Art Lesson


This is the last version of my first rose.

My friend, Patrice, and I have not been satisfied with our watercolor class.  So, we have been having our own lessons in Patrice's studio.  We have Soon Y. Warren's book; and, we are muddling along on our own trying to learn some of the techniques.


Soon does layers... and layers...


And layers...


This is a close-up of the rose after three layers of shading over a yellow wash.  I really kind of wish I had stopped here with the rose.  This was my favorite stage of it. We have seen you can keep going, until you have passed the point of no return!


You can see how the layers begin to give depth...


A blue wash goes over the reddish tones..


This was the second wash... The reddish hue over the yellow...

And, before this... it was only a sketch on a piece of paper. 

I am fascinated with the way the watercolors work... Water is BOSS.  The color goes where the water goes.  You CAN go too far and lose the whole thing.  I think that is part of the fascination. 

I look forward to continuing to learn more... hopefully!

We have real class again tomorrow.  We'll try to pay attention and not be off on our own.  LOL!

27 comments:

Julie Harward said...

That is amazing to me...I don't know if I have the patience for it though! ;D

Amanda said...

I love that you're just creating your own lessons because you're not satisfied with what you're learning in the class you paid for! LOL! I think your rose is beautiful. I can't get over all of the layers. Looks like a lot of work to me! XOXOXOXO

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Tanna, you are doing a great job. You know you really should turn off the word verification. You don't need it. Google does an excellent job of keeping the spam out. They keep it out daily on me.

From the Kitchen said...

I think it's the true artist coming out when you create your own "classes". From one who cannot draw a stick figure (have I mentioned that I am the mother of an amazing artist?), I'm quite impressed with what you are doing with your artistic talents--from needlework to canvas!!

Best,
Bonnie

Christine said...

Just let you Freak Flag Fly!
Because you are an artist!
Beautiful!

nanny said...

I don't know what stage that first picture was....but it is beautiful....don't touch it again/ha

You are amazing!!!

podso said...

So fun to see the stages ... backwards. You've got the eye and the talent... fascinating how the technique works. The last water color I did was probably in grade school. :-)

Vickie said...

You GO, girl! Good job - make your own classes! I have a ton of books that I've done that with. there's alot to be learned from books, AND you can take more time working on it and not have the class get ahead of you! I'm glad you have someone to do that with, too! I was trying to think if there was someone in the Palette of Roses membership that teaches watercolor.... hmmmm.... if I think of anybody I'll let you know -

I like how you did the photos backwards so we can see the layers!

Anonymous said...

I'm in awe of your talent! Your truly working what the good lord blessed you with.

Love the pics.

Viola

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Wow, Tanna, I am very impressed! You seem to be able to pick new things up very quickly. First, knitting, now watercolors! You are a true artist.

Lauri said...

Wow, I admire your patience and persistence to get it just right! It's gorgeous!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

You have shown me there is SO MUCH MORE to watercolor. I had NO IDEA. I find your rose to be complex and beautiful. I love the colors you used.

Stacey said...

I am so impressed! From the moment I saw the rose, I was thinking, "Wow, look at the detail and depth!" I don't know much about painting, but to me it seems like you have a sense of confidence and great skill that you can use what you know to tweak and improve your painting.

What Karen Sees said...

You are one multi talented lady!!! I would love to hang this on my wall, it is so beautiful...and interesting to see a progression to the finished piece!

Mary Bergfeld said...

This is really lovely. It requires talent AND patience. It is really quite beautiful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Chatty Crone said...

I AM NOT JUST SAYING THIS - I'M IN AWE OF YOU - FABULOUS JOB.

SANDIE

Deb said...

you are so talented....I am awed by people that can paint and draw....

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

I am very impressed. You definitely have talent in painting. You have done what I would not even attempt. I am very proud of you!!

RSA Certificate said...

Oh wow! I would LOVE to have your talent!

Susan McClaskey said...

I am so impressed and envious. I can't draw or paint and would love to do either.
Best,
Susan

Janean said...

it's easy to see you need a very, very talented teacher to learn anything you don't already know how to do...you talented gal, you!!!

beautiful.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

You are doing a great job! I have taken water color lessons and still am not happy. There is a talent to it.

Your rose is beautiful~

Hearts Turned said...

Good morning, Tanna! So glad I found your lovely blog today.

I've always wanted to really learn how to watercolor, but haven't taken any classes yet. I love that you and your friend have taken matters into your own hands and are learning together.

Beautiful work!

I'll be following along...hope your day is wonderful!

Julie

Terri Smith said...

Oh My Goodness Sweet Tanna..I Love Your Accomplishment With This Piece! Truly! Flowers..Especially The Many Layers Of Roses, Have Always Been Difficult For Me. But You've Captured The Essence Of This Flower Quite Beautifully! I'm So Proud Of You! Watercolor Has Never Been My Strong Suit, But You've Adapted So Well With This Medium..Again..I'm So Very Proud Of You! Have A Wonderful And Blessed Weekend Sweet Friend! Love&Friendship, Terri

Tara said...

Just beautiful. You have painting talent. Hope you are staying warm.
hugs,
tara

Solar Powered said...

I had no idea the process, thanks for sharing. That is too cool and a beautiful piece of art!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

This just caught my eye because I love yellow roses. What a process! It is beautiful.

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