Friday 10 February 2012

A tree again!

Well, I'm at it again....my Project Watercolors....learning watercolor painting is a target I've set for myself. But apart from the Friday hurried painting (to be able to make it to Paint Party Friday), I hardly get time to paint. Last week I had made a watercolor tree almost in the middle of Friday night. This time I started and completed a couple of hours earlier. ;)

I checked out a few more techniques for painting trees and also clouds. Have tried to use them both here. But I wasn't bold enough with the clouds. :)


The result makes me conclude one thing - I need to get much thicker better paper for next time. This sketchbook, although is said to be for watercolors too, isn't too good. After drying the colors don't come out as intended. They become a couple of shades lighter.

Anyways, this time I took care of light and shadows to some extent. But I see the light on the tree and the shadows suggest slightly different angle of sunlight. Nevermind....I have moved one step ahead in my journey. 

Thank you all, who took time out to leave encouraging comments and really cool tips. I'd still love to hear from you and learn from you. Do check out the other lovely art at PPF.

30 comments:

  1. Beautiful! This tree has depth. You added darker colors for the shady side and yellow green for the sunny side. Very nice work.

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  2. Hi Apni! Every time I join in PPF, there are new artists... so glad to meet you :) I can see your attention to the shading in the tree and house. While the angle may be slightly off, you did a great job in the tree itself with the coloring of the leaves. I was just browsing your blog and thought some of your gorgeous photos would make beautiful paintings. Some better paper may worth investing in. :) Happy PPF! ~Jaime

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    1. Thanks Jamie! Let me first learn watercolors....maybe then I'll convert some of those photos to paintings :)

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  3. Apni
    the best bang for your bucks with watercolors is an investment in good Watercolor paper. YOu will NOT BELIEVE how much nicer stuff will be..
    I suggest you buy just 1 sheet of Arches paper (I use cold press) and try it out.
    When I first started painting, I didn't know any better and eventually gave up in frustration because the cheap paper I was using did NOT
    lend itself to nice paintings.
    Good luck and happy PPF

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    1. Yeah Mimi. I didn't know which paper to use so I just went by what the label said. But after trying out a little, I think I know what kind of paper would be good.

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  4. Im learning to watercolor too. So much to learn about this medium. But so much fun!

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    1. I've always been fascinated by watercolors. And you're right Yvonne...there's so much to learn and its a lot of fun.

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  5. Lovely painting ~ colorful and yet tranquil ~ love it ~namaste, carol (Share the Creative Journey)

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  6. I think the clouds are okay, kinda of like them that way.
    I am still learning about shadows and everything-else only I get too excited with an image idea and run with it and hope for the best.
    This painting is very lovely and aside from your shadows I think the composition and colour is quite nice.

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    1. Thanks Annabelle! I'm enjoying learning from online videos.

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  7. Very nice. You are really doing great with the trees and the sky, something which I have a big problem with. Nice Work. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you so much Gloria! You have been so encouraging!

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  8. I really like the sky here. Very nice one.

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    1. Thanks...I'm happy with the color of the sky too.

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  9. Very nice work. I've been learning and teaching myself watercolour. I find the best results using Strathmore Ready Cut Wateroclor paper. 140 lb. It's 100% cottong, Acid Free and Archival. Good luck!! :)

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  10. Watercolour always lowers the tone to dry, the paper matters, but you have to apply the color most uploaded, I, to make the clouds, tapo space with stickers or plástelina, and to withdraw the reservation, they are almost done. Saludos

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    1. Thanks for the tip Marichu! I'll try that out soon!

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  11. Learning as you go as to what materials make you happiest is all part of the journey. I like your work this week.
    Happy PPF!
    Sheri Cook
    Happy Horse Studio

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    1. Thanks Sheri! And all this support from you guys makes me want to do more :)

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  12. I say you are doing a fabulous work! This is a great result and I love your tree! Apart from choosing the watercolor paper, try to strengthen the paint by applying more since watercolor always dries lighter. Also I love the sky. Be gentle with yourself. With practice you will be good!

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  13. You tree and sky are really good! The best thing about watercolor is that you can relax and let it do quite a bit for you itself.

    Yes, the right paper for your particular painting style will make a difference. Several online retailers sell sampler packs so you can try different weights and finishes to see which you like best.

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    1. Thanks Carla. I hadn't explored the online option. Will do so now :)

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  14. My husband is looking over my shoulder telling me how good your painting is. I agree this is fab!!!
    Nicole/Beadwright

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    1. Thanks Nicole and say thanks to your husband too! :)

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  15. That's how we get there, one step at a time. I've had some frustrating experiences with paper and watercolors, too. Now I stick to at least 140lb watercolor paper for watercolor. Other papers absorb too quickly and you can't move the paint around.

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    1. Very true Melisa and its important to enjoy every step!

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