Friday, October 19, 2012

Shades of Grey

  No, it's not about the book. Haven't read it and don't plan on it mostly because I very rarely read fiction. The shades of grey I'm speaking of has to do with  a watercolor painting  I made. It's been so inspiring looking at artists work linked to the various challenges I've been participating in. I know that whether it's sketching, watercolor painting, photography or digital art it all comes down to practice and patience along with talent. However, you see these works of art and can't help but feel inspired enough to try it. And hey, if it doesn't turn out you don't have to share it-easy enough, right?

  Wrong. I'm learning that sharing the (what you think is) bad or ugly may not be seen that bad by others. But more importantly, even if it is, it's a great way to get some helpful tips and feedback.

  I've been wanting to play with watercolor painting lately. It's something I've only done for creating backgrounds for journal pages. Recently I discovered a series on a local PBS station I love, Create TV. There is such a great variety of shows about cooking, gardening, travel, DIY, and art.

  Have any of you seen Bob Ross paint his acrylic landscapes?? How does he do that and make it look SO easy? I do love watching his process. But the artist that got me to try it on my own is Frank Clarke, who's show is Simply Painting. I happened to catch a show recently and besides being taken by his Irish accent and charm (there goes that Celtic thing again) I was fascinated by his watercolor paintings. Went to his website here . When I saw a free online tutorial I had to give it a go.

  And this is the result:

 
 
  It was a step by step lesson and although I don't always like doing things that way, there can be some valuable lessons learned. In this one tutorial Frank taught me so much I had no clue about! The one thing I did change was that for this monochromatic painting he used burnt umber paint (much prettier). But I took the leap and chose black-one of my least favorite colors in art when there are NO other colors involved! This was one of the prompts this week for the Fall Fearless and Fly challenge.
  Here are all three prompts:

Headline Prompt: Taking a Chance: When did you take a chance or a leap of faith? How did it turn out? What did you learn?
Color Prompt: What color do you like least? Use it!
Quote Prompt: "Don't refuse to go on an occasional wild goose chase -- that's what wild geese are for." Anonymous



   You can use one, two or all three prompts. Please visit the blog for the deets, I'd love for you to join in!

   I thought it kinda dark and ugly but decided to title it - "Riding The Storm Out" and matt and frame it. Like that makes it art. But ok, not TOO bad for a first try-just don't look closely :) It's definitely a tutorial I want to do again-in a different color. Another time. I NEED to get my hands on lots of color!!
 
   I'm linking this up to Fall Fearless and FlyArt Journal Everyday and Paint Party Friday. Many thanks to all the artists who link up to these challenges. You constantly inspire! And thank you for taking the time to lv. a comment with your feedback-much appreciated.

  "All our talents increase in the using, and every faculty, both good and bad, strengthen by exercise."
                                                                                                              Anne Bronte



36 comments:

  1. great effect this ! Have a goof weekend!

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  2. An interesting exercise in monochrome. Happy PPF, Annette x

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  3. beautiful monochromatic landscape! And wonderful way to be inspired!

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  4. It looks very serene...although I would love to see it bigger...I'm going to check out the shows you mention. Sometimes I find good videos on Youtube, but just as many not so great. Happy PPF.

    Rita

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  5. Very good! Like, exquisite B & W, these mountains are like two breasts.

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  6. This is a fascinating post. I think my colour would also have to be a grey or a muddy green- umm not sure- but you did a wonderful piece with it. Happy PPF.

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  7. I think this is a wonderful watercolor, Linda! Glad this post had nothing to do with 50 shades of gray! (I'm just sayin') I am going to check out the links; but don't know when, or if, I will ever have time to attempt this. I love that you are always up to a new challenge!

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  8. great painting, and i'm going to check out the free tutorial! I was sorry to hear about your illnesses. I prayed for you today.

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  9. also...i'm a follower now and hope you will follow me too!

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  10. i was relieved to hear you say you weren't talking about the BOOK (Fifty shades of grey). I guess i didn't think there were actually that many horny women in the world. ;-)
    Your grey painting is beautiful. It feels very serene and somehow hopeful. (maybe it's the clear sky in the background?) Very nice. It takes a lot of courage to do a painting tutorial and share it. You go girl! xox

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  11. What a great idea and your painting is lovely ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

    thanks for coming by and commenting ~ ^_^

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  12. I think your artwork is lovely. It made me sad to hear you say you thought it was ugly. We are our own toughest critics. I'm glad you shared this monochrome beauty. Happy PPF

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  13. Wonderful achromatic landscape!
    Reminds me of Ansel Adams' photography and its serenity.
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  14. wonderful monochromatic landscape... i love going back to a really limited palette and getting my tonal skills on track... this is a great result...xx

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  15. Grey water colors? I never tried that but your result looks beautiful! You inspire me to try out the same :)

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  16. Very brave it turned out wonderful!!I hear you about the color though...bring me the color!! But I do love black..... this monochrome really is awesome...good job!!


    Hugs Giggles

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  17. This is very pretty Linda. I do so much with color and sometimes forget the simple and peaceful beauty of grey and other neutrals. Really nice!

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  18. I am very impressed by your courage and the beautiful work that was the result. Well done! And thank you for sharing it and putting in a second piece for Fall Fearless & Fly!

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  19. Silently serene and still, beauty in grey. You really did a wonderful job on this. I shall have to give Frank Clarke a visit soon, he sounds intriguing and I too luv the Irish accents amongst others.Thanks for the heads up and I like Anne Bronte quot

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  20. I think it's such a good idea to leave your comfort zone and take that leap in the dark! Both literally and figuratively speaking. And I like the atmosphere here, reminded me of Poe! Am going to take a peek at those classes.

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  21. your painting is dark and dramatic not ugly at all.....

    I love the monochromatic style

    thank you for visiting btw

    Karenx


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  22. Good for you taking the leap and with a great result!

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  23. You got a lot of different tones out of that one color! great work!

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  24. Achromatic landscapes are challenging and you've done wonderful work! Happy PPF!

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  25. Your post struck so many chords with me! Sharing what didn't work as well as you hoped is so valuable for so many many reasons. Trying colors you don't work with usually is scary and enlightening all at the same time! Whether you frame your landscape or not it is art! So glad you shared this Fall Fearless and Fly!

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  26. I love the shades of grey!! I have always loved black and white photos, your piece reminds me of a post card. Thank you for sharing your bravery!!

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  27. I love those prompts. Monochromatic is hard... but in the end very striking in its simplicity! Well done.

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  28. Exercise and dedication and going for it...you made them all work in your shades of grey dear Linda!

    You make me want to give it a whirl...I admit I get a little impatient sometimes and just want things to go well and smoothly and not take a lot of effort...oh dear I've said too much

    Thank you for sharing and for inspiring me in so many ways
    oxo

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  29. I absolutely love reading your posts. And yes , i truly agree with you , sharing art which did not turn out as you hoped is very valuable. For a person who doesnt like working with monochromatic colours and watercolours is hard but your managed to create a very nice piece of art. Simple but pretty.
    So glad you shared.

    Hadiyah

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  30. fantastic work Linda. I am loving all the arty stuff you have been creating. Hope you are doing well and enjoying fall! :) HUGS!

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  31. I've started playing with water color too lately. I love the transparency.

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  32. I really like this piece, it has a sense of mystery to it.

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  33. Looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing the tutorial. :)

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  34. thanks for sharing your take on this challenge. I agree it's great to try new things and to get feedback.

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  35. wonderful minimalist approach. you were able to convey such beauty with your shading. very nice.

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Thank you so much for your comments; it's a pleasure to connect with you!