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Monday, December 28, 2009

A Froggy Swimmer - Krista


Painting #2 of 100 Paintings
Watercolor, 4x6", 140 lb Arches Cold Press


I chose this painting for the bright sunlight and shadows, and the froggy was cute too.  Practicing those hard edges and values.  For some reason, I’m attracted to painting people.  I’m still drawing and painting a wide range of subjects to find out what I like doing best.  Funny how when I painted Troy, he ended up looking as he does NOW, not as a chubbier preschooler.  I eliminated all of the unnecessary background and made the inflatable frog a bit simpler.  I tried Laure’s technique for the water of putting down some squiggly lines and then brushing clear water over it to blend the lines.  Photo reference attached.



Also blogged about on my personal blog, describing a more personal point of view.  Click on my blog link at left, then my 100 Paintings Gallery.

11 comments:

Kelly said...

Hi Krista!! Isn't this exciting! You're already two paintings in...and they are beautiful paintings. I like Troy's happy face and the water is cool...

I'm starting my challenge January 1 or January 3--haven't decided yet. My blogging anniversary is Jan 3, which makes it a logical stepping off point (plus that will give me 2 more days to clean/organize my art room!).

K said...

Thanks, Kelly! Yep, I'd love to somewhere warm about now. Have fun organizing your art room and looking forward to seeing your paintings too.

Laure Ferlita said...

Love your water! Cracked me up that you used my technique as I was thinking what a good job you had done!

I think you've done a great job of capturing Troy's likeness and your skin tones are great. I think your innate "softness" will serve you well in painting people (though they have a full range of values too!).

Cheryl Gebhart said...

I think you've got his likeness really well - it looks like the photo to me. What a cutie!!

Timaree said...

I think you did a real likeness to the photo. He is a thin little one in the photo! Very nice on the water. I'm glad you shared the photo as that helps me see how your simplified.

K said...

Laure, I never thought that my penchant for blending, or "softness" could be valuable in portraits. Good point. Thanks, Cheryl and Timaree. Glad you stopped by.

Gabrielle said...

Nice Krista! The water is great and I like how you used different colors to make up the shadows on Troy's face and chest.

You were always bemoaning how pale your paintings were in the Paris class. I see lots of bold colors here!

What does Troy think?

K said...

Hi Gabrielle! Thanks. I've been trying to really concentrate on being bolder and darker. Obviously, there are things I would change, but I'm also adopting Laure's motto: "Next!"

Troy just shrugged. Boys! But the Grandmas loved it - they both got prints for Christmas.

Teri said...

Thanks Krista for posting this on your Blog because it got me involved.

Your colors are bold and your shadows are perfect. Love that water also, very 'watery'.

I am happy to be joining this group.

K said...

Yay, Teri! Glad you joined.

Kathy said...

I love this, too, Krista, and I really like your saturated color in these first two as well. Can't wait to see what you do next ; ).