Saturday, February 26, 2011

"Uncle Bob" gouache on coated paper


I don't think that I have posted this painting before, but this one I call Uncle Bob. Actually I did this from a photo taken from when I was at the Highland Games in the Loone Mountains in New Hampshire one fall. This is another example of working on gesso-coated paper. This is done in gouache, which is an opaque watercolor and  pronounced "gwash". Most watercolors are painted on watercolor paper, which can be quite absorbent. I find the medium to be very non-forgiving in the first place, meaning you make your mark on the paper....then you have to live with it. The colors can stain the paper and if you are having second thoughts and want to lift off your paint, well, too bad. With gesso-coated paper the paint sits on the surface just waiting to be pushed around. Some staining can occur, especially with thalos. Gouaches give you much more vibrant colors and do not muddy up so much when white is added. I also used a rapidiograph pen for the black. These pens are expensive little suckers that give you a consistent width to your line. No thick then thin line, like with nib pens or even a pencil. And the ink is waterproof so washes can be applied over your line and there will be no running. The problem is that the india ink used has shellac in it, so unless you are obsessed with cleaning your pen every day, and cleaning that little hole where the ink flows out REALLY WELL, you are in for a clogged pen. It's then almost impossible to unclog, especially the really fine ones that make such a thin, fine line.There are less expensive, fine-tipped felt pens that work almost as well and are great for on-the-go drawing, but I still find they run a little if a wash is used over the ink. Bottom line is that with a bit of experimentation with papers and the use of gouache, you can achieve illustration-like results that are not so washed out, which is what I was going for with Uncle Bob. This painting below was also done with gouache, but on a brown paper bag-like paper.

6 comments:

narangkar said...

I've always adored this one of the mules!

martinealison said...

Ils sont mignons ces deux-là côte à côte...
Votre oncle m'a ramenée plus sieurs années en arrière avec de bons souvenirs passés en Ecosse...
Très belles oeuvres...
je vous souhaite un excellent weekend avec de gros bisous.

dulcy said...

Your posts are like free art lessons! These are both so wonderful and different.. I'm thinking of doing a pastel of our fish pond next. Have some nice photos of fish among the water lilies.

Barbara said...

Did not know that you had Highland Games over there too. Clever painting of the mules.

I am trying to remember the place I stayed in Connecticut. I know it will come to me as soon as I press publish!

Barbara said...

It didn't but think it begins with 'C'!

dulcy said...

You clever girl! So happy you noticed my tilted easel. Yes.... it does help with pastel drop off. I just love these two pieces you've done! I'm hoping to maybe do something watery next. I have some pictures of our pond with fish and lily pads that I may attempt. I must say that your comments have really helped to keep me inspired. Also checking in and seeing your lovely art!