Thursday, May 9, 2013

Soon's Class in Watercolor Crystal


This was the painting I finished in Soon's class of painting crystal last month.  She is an amazing artist and excellent teacher for this process.  We used her composition from one of her earlier paintings.  Before the class, you are to do your drawing onto the Arches 140 lb. cold press paper (1/2 sheet) and apply masking fluid or frisket (like rubber cement to the areas that are to maintain white through the first washes).

 
This is actually my second version, done after I returned home.  At this point, there have been two layers:  the initial "wash" of yellow and red (you'll note I slapped it on and took off to other things, leaving myself an ugly little "bloom", where the water was collected around the edges and I didn't catch it; but, since I was going very dark, I didn't panic) and then a layer on the cherries and part of the bowl.  You can tell where the masking fluid is in the lightest areas.
 

Then it just becomes a process of adding layers...


And layers...


And layers...


And, layers... until you are ready to add your first wash of dark background... It starts to get scary at this point...  The further you go, the more time and energy you have invested and the thought of crossing the line to ruin becomes almost paralyzing...


Then, after the second layer of dark background (I used three in this one), you remove the masking fluid!!  It is really UGLY at this point... you feel a little crestfallen...


Then it is back to working out the details... more and more detailed little layers... you can see I was working on the bowl... then will come the stems and any other final detailing.  Finished painting HERE
 
You can see Soon Y. Warren's magnificent paintings on her website HERE.  I hate for you to... it will make mine look very crude!!  LOL!
 
Your Private Collection Art Gallery in Granbury has facilitated the three classes I have taken with Soon.  I am so thankful they do!  I'll be there the next time she's back!!

Tammy, hope this answered your question about how you get the bowl to look like this.  ;)

blessings  ~ tanna

32 comments:

Chatty Crone said...

The longer I live the more I am convinced - being an artist - has to be genetic and if you are good in one - you are good in others. I mean GREAT. Love it. sandie

Pondside said...

I am learning that you must be a very patient woman. Your attention to detail in your knitting and painting is inspiring. You can be very proud of your painting!

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I am in awe of your talent!

Wow! Is there nothing you can't do? I doubt it. You are so very talented. :)

Hugs and blessings to you always dear friend. :)

Catherine Holman said...

I've always wanted to try watercolors, but don't think I'm loose enough.
Love your painting!

SouthernHeart said...

Tanna: talent just bubbles over in you whether you're knitting or painting! I love this painting! It will look awesome framed.

Blessings,
Dianne

Pammy Sue said...

Interesting! I am not a painter or a drawer. It looks like a third-grader did it when I draw. Ha-ha. My brain just doesn't work in that area, but lordie I have tried. Admiring yours is good enough for me. XOXO

TexWisGirl said...

you're amazing...

It's Just Dottie said...

I am amazed by your talent. The painting is beautiful.
Smiles, Dottie

Mereknits said...

Absolutely amazing, you are so talented. I am not capable of making anything that gorgeous. I am in awe.
Meredith

Tricia Buice said...

Gosh it has been so long since I painted - I forgot everything. I did a mason jar using that method one time - but it was all pastels so no dark scary stuff! Your painting(s) are fantastic. Such talent with just a few classes. Congratulations on another beautiful painting.

From the Kitchen said...

The bowl is amazing! The cherries make me want to reach in and have a few. Beautiful!!

Best,
Bonnie

Cindy said...

Tanna, You did a beautiful job on your painting, it looks like a photograph, it's done so beautifully.

Dar said...

WOW, such a craft...wonderful!
BlessYa

Amanda said...

A labor of love, I'd say. Happy for you that you made it right up to that line without crossing over. ;-) Love you. xoxo

Melissa ~ twoknitwit said...

this is fantastic ~ thanks for sharing the process

I'm in awe of you, Tanna :)

Deb said...

you did an awesome job Tanna....my hats off to you....

Debbie said...

I love this and wish that I had an ounce of artistic talent. I feel the same way looking at stuff like this that I do when I hear someone play the piano.

I have to remind myself that God gives gifts as He sees fit.

Please don't tell me you play the piano too. I probably couldn't take it...

Anonymous said...

I truly now am hooked and need to take a class to learn how to do this, the inner artist in me is just wanting to know how.

Thank you for sharing.

Viola

Cheryl @ TFD said...

When I first saw this I thought "wow, amazing photo". I'm just astonished that you painted this because it's so real looking. Beautiful job, Tanna!

Donna said...

I think you got in the talent line more than once when God was passing out gifts and talents!
You just continue to amaze me, Tanna. Really.
Love, d.

Christine said...

I use to think I would love to be able to sing.
After studying your painting, I have changed my mind.

Really, I appreciate all your hard work and applaud your talents.

Jen Price said...

Wow! It's amazing!

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

I envy anyone who can paint anything. I think it is beautiful. I especially love the glass bowl detail. Great job, Tanna!

steph said...

i knew nothing about the watercolor process.....!!!! it's beautiful...think I'll stick to knitting, though!

kathy b said...

It really captures the way crystal reacts with LIGHT!! I LOVE IT

podso said...

The process is quite complex. there must be a lesson here --- good things sometimes come after time and patience, and what came of this is certainly beautiful! Wishing you a very happy mother's day!

Tammy said...

Wow! What a process. Your final painting is absolutely gorgeous. I still am in awe of the fact that you were actually able to make a painting that looks like a cut crystal bowl. Amazing! For some reason, I can't get the photos from her website to open so I still think your work is awesome. ha! :) Best wishes, Tammy

Mary Bergfeld said...

Tanna, I'm really impressed. You did a wonderful job and the process itself is fascinating. I must admit to momentary envy. I can't draw stick figures, so I am in awe of anyone who
has talent like yours. Have a wonderful Mother's Day. Hugs and blessings....Mary

Shug said...

Good Morning Tanna.

You have created an amazing piece here. Most definitely, something to proud of. Beautiful colors! One thing I know is that I sure do have a talented blogging friend...

Enjoy your Mother's Day weekend..
shug

Velva said...

This is stunning!

no spring chicken said...

Wow. I think God meant to make me an artist... what happened? Wow.

Blessings, Debbie

Ana said...

Hey Ms. Tanna,
It's been a while. I was just thinking of you and thought I'd stop by and say hello. Hope you are doing well my dear friend. Your watercolor painting is amazing. Is there anything you can't do? :-)

Hugs and Kisses,
❤Ana

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