Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Getting there

Here is my current colored pencil piece, through the next couple of stages. Above you can see where I started getting into that area of the water where the foamy bits begin. The contrast in this area is more stark and pattern like but I had to keep in mind that even though those shapes of foam are very light, they are not the brightest parts of the composition.
Now here is where the tricky part of the drawing begins to emerge. At this point I was really beginning to question the wisdom of my choice of subject matter and my sanity in trying to draw all of this foamy water splashing on the shore. There is little defining shape and the contrast of light to dark areas is much more subtle. I am going to continue on with the darker passages in the foreground (that are just barely blocked in at this point), and then go back to make adjustments in the foamy surf. I will need the reference of those darkest passages where the water washes over the shore in order to see how the values in the rest of the piece should relate to those darkest darks. It's a lot of going back and forth with color and value, but it's slowly getting there!

12 comments:

Valley Art Project said...

This is looking very nice. I love the look that colored pencils can give you. How many "blues" are you using?

Revelle Taillon said...

Oh my! Amazing!

Unknown said...

You are more than 'getting there'!It's amazing! And I fully appreciate all the time and care that you've put into this piece so far! Wow! it's wonderful!

Janene said...

This is marvelous--you have captured the motion and the frothy foam really well.

Anonymous said...

This is already looking amazing! I can understand wondering what you've gotten yourself into, but I can tell it's going to be totally worth it in the end. Can't wait to see more!

Cathy Holtom said...

You're doing really well. I once tried something similar and I know hard it is. Great work Ann!

Autumn Leaves said...

But this is so beautiful, Ann! I know it is well worth all the thought and work that you are putting into it. I am so excited to see it finished. I so love the oceans and seas...

Alex said...

I already knew that this was going to be a masterpiece =) as soon as I saw the first one.
It's difficult, it takes time and a lot of patience, and that's what makes a good artist.
I bow to you Ann.

nanke's stuff said...

Well, this is a wonderful challenge that's coming along so nicely! It's beautiful already - it will be stunning when you're finished! nancy

Ann said...

So far I am using 9 blues, 2 purples, a pink, and a warm and a cool gray. There will likely be more colors before I am finished!

Thanks everyone for stopping by and for your encouraging comments!

Dan Kent said...

I am in awe - this is beyond wonderful. I can understand how you would be totally insane with this one. I would never have the patience. But what is emerging from all of this effort is superb!

Unknown said...

You make water seem easy, which I know it is not!

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