It is safe to say that I am so far off the doodlewash topic prompt today and in quite a mess. I have reviewed the week’s work so far, and I am happily on a journey of discovery with collage and watercolour.
One thing I’ve noticed is how different materials can have various effects on the watercolor application and drying process. Lately, I’ve been incorporating gouache into my paintings to strengthen the images, and I’m excited to experiment with acrylic gouache in my upcoming works. Additionally, I’ve been enjoying the beautiful range of gray colors achieved with soluble graphite sticks. However, finding the right balance between paint and graphite has proven to be a bit challenging.
To further enhance my artistic exploration, I’ve been diving into the August edition of The Painter magazine. It features some truly interesting articles that have caught my attention. Steven Griggs offers valuable advice on how to loosen up and break free from the confines of our artistic practices. Jenny Attkins, on the other hand, explores the use of light to make paintings sparkle, which I find inspiring.
I started with a college base that established the main areas of the painting. And then the trouble started. Adding colour to the image was not a success and so further drawing was required to bring back some details. However I had already lost the image!
I simplified the image further in a quick 5 minute painting.
Why would I post an image that is not finished and is not what I consider to be my best work? While today’s doodlewash, may have veered off the initial topic, it has led me on a captivating journey of discovery. Exploring new materials, drawing inspiration from fellow artists, and experimenting with various techniques has enriched my artistic process.
As artists, we must always be open to detours and unexpected paths, for it is within these twists and turns that we often find the most rewarding artistic breakthroughs.
