Crank up the chroma
I really enjoyed Ric Burns' two-part PBS documentary on Andy Warhol. Andy's color sense was superb and it had an immediate effect on my painting.
I love my new paints a lot and I am trying to use my colors as fresh onto the page as possible. Somehow paint dies on the palette a bit but, when I layer pure colors onto the page, they remain vibrant. Compare this painting of Joe with the one I did with my old paint set and pre-Andy.
This poor critter was waiting for me on the way to work; I have never seen such a bird, alive or otherwise, in the city before. It took me two goes to capture his lines; I also had to remember his color scheme as I only could paint him when I got home in the evening
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Danny, I just love the way you're using your new paints to get better color. Not that your other colors weren't good, but, mixing on the paper always keeps them vibrant and fresh. Also, part of what makes the color of the dog so bright is that you've put the blue in your background. Blue is the compliment of the orange in the dog and thus makes it stand out more....Anyway, I love your work and have your books. Hope you are planning to do another one.
Posted by: Jennifer | November 1, 2006 10:30 PM
The orange and blue complements are my favorite. They really work here! Watercolors are particularly difficult to get punchy color unless you use them in their undiluted intensity. I didn't understand the longevity records. Are these numbers in days, weeks, years?
Posted by: susancornelis | November 1, 2006 10:47 PM
My guess would be that this is a warbler, vireo or thrush in fall plumage. Any idea on the size of the bird? Sparrow sized? Robin sized?
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon | November 1, 2006 11:03 PM
Wow!! Those colours are just stunning. Poor bird though..
Posted by: Cath S | November 2, 2006 03:34 AM
what a pretty birdie. sad, though, it had to die young (or old. don't really know). nice sketchbook too. what brand is it?
Posted by: melanie | November 2, 2006 06:52 AM
Hi, i love andy warhol's work too, and your paintings are beautiful and inspiring. I'm still trying to understand how watercolor works, but yours make me want to paint more. Thank you for sharing, your website is very nice.
Posted by: Gabrielle | November 2, 2006 07:05 AM
Bird drawings are what really made me believe I could draw as a child and consequently, I LOVE to see the renditions of others. Do you ever try coloring and drawing only around the subject? Just the shadows and reflections and leave the "bird" out? That really helps me see and is loads of FUN!!
Thanks for the inspiration....again!!
Posted by: Linda Hatfield | November 2, 2006 07:35 AM
I must have missed something...what was the name of the old paint....and what is the new fabulous, bright, gorgeous, paint?
Posted by: Lynn | November 2, 2006 09:22 AM
Danny, love the vibrant colors (but I like the old Joe painting too for different reasons)! And I love the dead bird observation. I also liked learning that sparrows could live 23 years!!!
Thanks for posting these animal paintings! Also I am motivated to go and take a new look at Warhol.
Roz
Posted by: roz | November 2, 2006 12:13 PM
That is so weird! We actually have the same thing outside on our sidewalk right now! I just picked up the kids from school and our commment was.."So just how are we gonna fix this?". We can't just leave the poor fellow there! We think the Trick or Treaters are to blame!!
Posted by: rosieposie | November 3, 2006 04:40 PM
I kind of like the old paint. I'm not in to vibrant but then again I don't use color!
...dave
Posted by: dave | November 4, 2006 08:41 PM