Monday, May 11, 2009

I dreamed of color

Reeds
Neocolor II and colored pencil on pastel board
5 x 7 inches
©Ann Thompson Nemcosky

I was thinking about the different ways I have tried using color in my work. So, as I was developing this little piece I scanned each step along the way. Sometimes, it is easier for me to evaluate my work when I view it on the monitor as opposed to when it is right in front of me.

The start of this piece was inspired by a dream of color that I had the other night. The detail shot at the end better shows my scribbling. I wish I could learn to get to my final intent with fewer steps though.

18 comments:

winna said...

Looks like you finished up the beautiful work punching the shades & colors for best impact!! Often people stop in the "middle" place and let the work almost go unnoticed when it could be so much better, doing what you did.

Jim in Alaska said...

Very nice, Ann. Your slides worked extremely well.

Sandy said...

Just lovely, I find your work so light and refreshing.

Mary Timme said...

I'm always just happy to get something down. Not much time for art right now, but after next week I think time won't be quite the issue it has been.

Really however many steps is what it take. I love the idea you've worked with!

Jennifer Rose said...

that is so neat to see this from start to finish :D

I love how the base colours show through in the finished piece. you generally don't get to see what colours are laid down first so thank for showing us :)

Alissa said...

Amazing slide show - I really enjoyed seeing how the final image was built up. Thank you

Rose Welty said...

Ann,

Lots of fun to see all of your stages! It is a lovely piece...your work is definitely maturing.

Good to see.

DALowe Artist said...

Oh this is amazing! I think your steps are fantastic - and what an end result! Don't change a thing - I would never have dreamed that you started out with the colors like that. I would never have thought to do that - ever. Where did you get this technique? Really so glad you shared the slides - it is very interesting and enlightening!

Alex said...

Things that you never thought you get any better, usually WOULD get better ^^ You pencil color skill is just out of this world! Love the reflections, love the whites on the water. Level of realism of this painting is just off the chart!! :) such beautiful work!!

Jeanette said...

I have been a big fan of your landscapes since I first saw them on WetCanvas. The directionality of your strokes gives your work such a peaceful flow.

I am really impressed with how you started this piece with just wash of colors, almost abstract, and ended up with such a realistic piece with the light and color of the abstract background showing through perfectly.

Ann said...

Thanks everyone!
Deborah, really, the idea for doing the underpainting this way really was something I 'dreamed up'. It has been a while since I used any sort of underpainting on cp pieces done on pastel board, yet when I did do some with a washed underpainting, I started by blocking in the composition.
I'm glad you all liked the slides :)

Elflling said...

I really love this piece. The colors are gorgeous!

Carol said...

I have looked at this post three or four times. It just amazes me how you can go from abstract bold waves of color to delicate and realistic reeds reflected in water. I'm in awe...

owenswain said...

Nice work on that water. Tricky stuff, water.

Margaret Ann said...

OMG...Brilliant! Loved seeing the steps!!!!!

Teresa said...

What a gorgeous piece! And, like everyone else, I loved the slide show. I'm curious... when you put down those initial washes of bright color what determines the colors you choose and the pattern in which you apply them? Do you have a preconceived vision or is it just random?

Timaree said...

So when are you having an online class in your techniques?

Pamela said...

Lovely waterscape. What a great learning experience for me too see a watercolor pencil from beginning to end. Saw your blog reference through Cathy's watercolor pencil class. Thanks for the inspiration.
Pam

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin