Annuals - Next Step

Okay, back to the Annuals painting...
values with a graphite pencil. With each layer of paint much of this graphite will lift off, so I pencilBecause I will be using lots of water and very wet pigments on this piece I gently scrub in my darkest in quite a bit to see where I am going.







You can see I use quite a bit of pencil so that I will have graphite left after each application of paint to help me navigate my way through to the end.

Just be sure you don't push too hard with your pencil. Use a soft lead so that you can deposit a good amount of graphite without damaging the canvas or scratching through your absorbent ground.
You can mask either before or after this step to save the whites (value number one).

Watercolor on Canvas - Annuals

As promised, I took some process photos of this project so you can see how I work.

This is an 8 by 8 inch canvas which I painted for the Art of Eights Project through Art and Antique Studio and Gallery (http://artandantiquestudo.com/Artof EightsImages.htm).

I used Golden White Absorbent Ground mixed with water (1 part ground, 2 parts water). I applied this mixture onto my canvas in 4 to 5 very thin applications, allowing each application to dry thoroughly before I added the next.

Once all the ground was applied and dried, I created a pencil sketch of my subject. This piece was created from a scene in the Eau Gallie Arts District in a beautiful garden center.


My next step is to apply masking fluid to any area that I want to remain white. There are only a few small areas in this piece, so the masking went very quickly.

I also tested some quinacridone colors to see which might look nice in this piece.

More to come...stay tuned.

Preparing a Canvas for Watercolor

I have been asked often how to prepare a canvas to make it work with my watercolor and layering technique.

Golden makes a product called Absorbent Ground. I use White Absorbent Ground, mixed with one part ground and 2 parts water as a gesso on my canvas. It's important to use this mixture over any canvas before painting with watercolor. I like to purchase the pre-gessoed canvas then apply my ground mixture before I paint. I apply 4 - 5 very thin coats evenly over the entire canvas. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This creates a beautiful, sturdy surface to work on with watercolor. It takes quite a bit of abuse and handles the masking and layering of pigments well also.
The most fun part of working with watercolor on canvas is that I can lift it completely if I choose. Use a wet brush and scrub the surface, then dab with a paper towel or dry cloth. It's a fun surface and has lots of potential.
Once your painting is complete, spray a clear UV coating over the canvas to waterproof it and protect it. I love to work with gallery wrapped canvases so that I don't have to worry about framing!
I am starting a new small canvas today. I'll try to post photos soon.
Here is one that I finished and sold recently. It is called "Eau Gallie Market".
Hope you enjoy it and let me know if you try watercolor on canvas!

Mini Watercolor on Canvas - Beach Chairs

Watercolor on canvas is really fun. I did this little piece recently from a photo I took while at the beach last year.

Yes, this piece is layered (poured). I treat the canvas with Golden's White Absorbent Ground, several thin coats. Then I treat it just like I would any watercolor paper. The nice thing is that I can mask and dribble paint, and I can also easily lift! This little painting is now on my etsy shop.

Enjoy!

Another Little Palm Frond

Another Little Palm Frond

Ah, it has been too long...
This piece is five by five inches, and it is watercolor on canvas. Yes...on canvas. I've been playing with pouring watercolor, well, I splatter more than I pour, but I have been experimenting with this technique on canvas also. So much fun.

The canvas must be treated with a white absorbent ground, then it will accept the watercolor pigments and even masking fluid beautifully. Once the painting is completed it must be sprayed with a UV clear coat to protect it.

One feature I love about the completed paintings executed on canvas is that the paint drips over the edge and creates beautiful color blends on the sides of the gallery-wrapped canvas. They are too pretty to cover with a frame!

This piece was just listed on my etsy shop and I have another one there also, which is a miniature on canvas.
Enjoy: http://watercolorgirl.etsy.com

Watercolor on Canvas - Crabby

Now that the Thanksgiving festivities are completed, I can get back to a little artwork. I have taken a few diversions this week and played with beads and jewelry things, but I do have a new image to show from my painting studio.

This is "Crabby". It is a poured watercolor on canvas. The canvas was treated with a special ground to make it act like watercolor paper. Then I use the same pouring method I have been experimenting with for the past year. After the painting is completed, all masking is removed and the final touch-ups are done, I coat the painting with a clear UV coating to preserve it.
This piece is 16" by 16". The most exciting part is that the paint drips over the gallery wrapped edges and I don't have to frame it. I think the colors in this piece came out so nice.
Hope you enjoy it.