Watercolor Child Portrait Process in Progress

Oops! I got so absorbed in painting today, that I forgot to take a photo during much of the process!

 

To see the earliest stages of this painting

http://barbararosenzweig.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-adventure-watercolor-painting.html, http://barbararosenzweig.blogspot.com/2013/08/child-watercolor-painting-process-boy.html,

http://barbararosenzweig.blogspot.com/2013/08/child-portrait-watercolor-painting.html

 

 

 

Today, I worked on layering more color on the stone to give it depth, darkened the inside of the fountain, and started the scrollwork under it. In creating the copper on the rim of the fountain, I started with a pale coppery color and will build it up later.

 

When I paint, I try not to go into an area that is still wet, since it can make what's called "blossoms." Sometimes you want this type of unpredictable pattern, but for most of my painting here, I want to control the flow of the paint. So while the paint is drying in one area, I'll work on another.

 

Now for the hair. The initial yellow was just to give me a sense of where the hair was and approximate color. What I did now was to lighten the yellow by using a moistened brush and lifting and blotting the color until it was a very pale yellow. Next, I mixed light shades of brown to start giving some texture to the hair. It is not done yet, but I will leave it for now.

 

Next, the arms. Using rose, yellow and a bit of blue, I laid in the colors at the sides of the arms to start giving a roundness to them. Not done yet.

 

Looking at the tiles, I saw that they still needed toning down so that they will not be the focal point of the painting and pull the eye away from the boy. I used a combination of colors to create a black wash that I put over the tiles, as well as darken the metal grate under the boy's feet.

 

 

 To create the folds on the boy's jeans, I focused on created the shapes of dark and light colors. That's enough for one day!

 

 

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Child Portrait Watercolor Painting Process and Techniques - Continued

Now we're well into the UGLY stage!
I keep my reference photo handy to check to see if the shapes and placements are accurate.

 

I started to put the scrollwork under the fountain and tone down the bright tiles with a wash of gray.

 

Continuing more of the stonework, I shape up the bowl of the fountain, put the right step in, and add more greens to the stone. For this, I use the technique called "scumbling." After I fill my brush with paint, I wick off excess water on a paper towel, and then hold the brush on its side as I drag it across the paper. I let the 300 lb. thick rag Arches watercolor paper do the rest. You can see the results on the stone steps.

 

 

 

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Child Watercolor Painting Process "Boy Reaching" - Continued

CAUTION !!!
You are about to see a painting in its adolescent stage! Beware! You will be seeing the good, the bad, and the ugly! View at your own risk! Hope that you enjoy seeing this daunting process.

 

 

Once I decided on the portion of the photo that would be most effective for this painting, I lightly sketched in the important details. Now I take the plunge and put paintbrush to paper.

 

I started by lightly painting in the background and the boy to get a sense of the colors I would be using. Next, I started on the tile floor. Here, I used richer colors that will eventually be toned down.

 

 

Still in the preliminary process, I start to refine the hair, shirt, pants, and sneakers, as well as lay in some turquoise for the beginning of the copper patina on the drinking fountain.



 

Here's where it starts getting UGLY! I'm laying in colors for the stone wall with its green algae.

 

As you might have guessed by now, I am very slow and deliberate in my painting process. It takes me a long time to complete a watercolor to my satisfaction. At this point, I am nowhere near being done. Once all of the colors are "in," the refining begins. There must be "dark darks" and very "light lights" to make the painting have depth. Once these "values" are established, I can attend to the most difficult and time-consuming part, adding all of the minute details.

 

Can't wait to hear from you!

 

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, IShouldBeMoppingTheFloor, BoogieboardCottage, Alphabe-Thursday, Join the Party {Linky}  Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday, Five Days Five Ways, Friday Flair Linky Party, Friday Favs, Fancy These Friday’s, Friday Link Party, Saturday Show & Tell

 

 

Beach Girl Friends Seashore Painting

"Beach Girls"

What could be better than girls having fun together at the beach, especially if they are best friends, sisters, twins! Here, they are delightedly looking at the seagulls, toes tickled by the foamy surf! 

This watercolor painting turned out to be an accidental commission. When I was at an Art Fair, I spotted absolutely adorable twins. I asked their mother if I could take a photo of her children. I was so brazen about asking because I love to paint kids! She agreed and I told her that I would send her an email of the finished painting. ...and the end of the story is that she loved it, wanted the original, as well as matted fine art prints for other family members!

When I looked at the photo, I decided to set the scene at the powder white sands and emerald waters of a Florida beach. It's so much fun to let your imagination soar and not stick to the reality of a photo!

 

I started with a sketch of the twins, but moved them apart. Next came the sky and beginnings of the water, surf, hair and skin.

Adding waves, refining clouds, deepening the color of the water, putting in the shadows of the blouses came next.

When I started to paint the skirt stripes, I decided that the original colors in the photo were too close to the colors in the water. I wanted drama and fun! I started with pale purple and a hot pink, but felt that deep purple and bright red would work better. The wave on the back right was really starting to bother me. I think that I mostly paint from my gut, not my head. But I just couldn't let go of the fact that I hated that wave, even if I could balance it with others on the left side of the painting. I tried to stop thinking about that wave by adding the three seagulls that the girls were looking at.

 'Couldn't stand it anymore. Out went that wave! I felt much better and then worked on making the emerald waters darker at the horizon to give it depth, refining the hair and skin color, correcting the left leg of the right girl, adding the purple hair clip, deepening the colors of the stripes, darkening the shadows of the clothing, and creating the children's reflections. Done!

I spent so much time on this painting, that I have come to love those little girls. As you might have guessed, I have no grandchildren yet! I had a hard time parting with it, but knew that the family would cherish it. I do have 15 fine art prints that I've made and one will be framed for my home!

I hope that you've enjoyed "listening in" on the decisions I made during my creative process. I'd love to hear from you!!

Size

Art Print 8x10 /mat 11x14 $37.00 USD Art Print 11x14 /mat 16x20 $52.00 USD

 Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Fine Art America, Alphabe-Thursday, Fall into Fall, and Pink Saturday   

CONE SEASHELL - New Watercolor Painting

Who would think that a deadly sea snail would live in a beautiful shell like this! I can't get over the beauty and variety of Nature and can't stop painting it, too!

I've been collecting shells since I was a little girl. Actually, come to think of it, I'm still a little girl, especially since I've lost three inches over the past few years! Those early experiences never left me. I went on collecting seashells and became a science teacher focusing on biology and a watercolor artist, which both are expressions of joy in the natural world.

Do you collect seashells? You just never know where it will lead you and enrich your life!

Cone Shell

by Barbara Rosenzweig

 

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website

Revision - LITTLE BOY BLUE IN THE CORNFIELD WATERCOLOR

I don't usually do this, but I've "updated" my Little Boy Blue in the Cornfield painting. I've been looking at it for a number of months and a few things just kept bothering me. I decided to rework his left arm, making is fall more to his side, darken the shadows on the back of his clothing, shoes and arms, and give the cornstalks a bit more interest for a hint of depth. It also bothered me that the string from his hat went under his lip and not his chin. This was because the little boy I "captured" kept putting it there, so that's how I initially painted it. I was able to move it to where I felt it belonged. He can't change it now!

Do you think that any of these changes improved this painting?

Little Boy Blue in the Cornfield

 

Before the Changes

 

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YOU ASKED FOR IT! Women in Sports Watercolor Paintings

After hearing from quite a few of you with your recommendations, I started a new series of women in in sports paintings, using the same technique I did with my "Men at Work and Play" series.

The "Runner Woman" and "Golf Woman" are a continuation of an experimental exploration into color and form. I hope that you enjoy them. I've renamed the entire series "At Work and Play."

Runner Woman

 

Golf Woman

 

You can Mix and Match your choice of "Runner Woman," "Golf Woman," "Tennis Man," "Baseball Man," "Man on a Bench," "Golf Man," and "Man Walking with Briefcase" into a wonderful grouping for your home or office!

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107388931/golf-woman-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print

https://www.etsy.com/listing/107388931/golf-woman-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106988570/tennis-man-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105327033/baseball-man-barbara-rosenzweig-art
https://www.etsy.com/listing/104975785/man-on-a-park-bench-barbara-rosenzweig
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105172837/golf-man-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105164211/man-walking-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print

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New Watercolor Painting - TENNIS MAN

This Tennis Player watercolor painting is part of my new series of uniquely colorful prints of Men at Work and Play. Each one that I created came with its own challenges.

In the bottom painting, you can see that I was almost finished when I realized that it just didn't have the "punch" of the others. There was too much white, too much outlining. I had to do something that gave more weight to the figure, more force in his swing.

I decided to take some photos of my husband, in the same position as the tennis player in my painting. It was fun (not for him) watching him try to balance without falling backwards! I did this to see where to put the folds in his shirt and shorts. Here's the final painting.

TENNIS MAN

Almost Finished

OK, what do you think? Should I continue the series and maybe do another series with women? I'd love to hear your ideas!

To see the others in the series, check out the links below. The "Baseball Man," "Man on a Bench," "Golf Man," and "Man Walking with Briefcase" can be orgainzed in a wonderful grouping for your home or office!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/105327033/baseball-man-barbara-rosenzweig-art
https://www.etsy.com/listing/104975785/man-on-a-park-bench-barbara-rosenzweig
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105172837/golf-man-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print
https://www.etsy.com/listing/105164211/man-walking-barbara-rosenzweig-art-print

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop,Watercolors By Barbara Website,  Alphabe-Thursday, Potpourri Friday, Pink Saturday

New Watercolor Painting - OPEN WINDOW

What better way to remember a wonderful vacation than a peaceful view of the fabulous Mediterranean Sea and mountains! With this painting you can continue to enjoy memories of this stunningly peaceful view, even after the vacation is over! I hope that you will enjoy this bit of fantasy!

Window View

by Barbara Rosenzweig

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NEW TECHNOLOGY - Video for the Blog

Sorry to be away for so long! I'm continuing to paint, but also trying to learn how to create videos for this blog and my website. I'd love to feature watercolor tutorials and paintings in progress. Isn't it about time that I came into the modern age!

Here's my first attempt at an introduction to my paintings. Crude beginning, but I have to start somewhere! Just click on the arrow at the bottom left of the video.

Yes, you are right. I do have to replace this soon, filming when the sun is not in my eyes and my hair is styled better!

Suggestions? Please let me know if it "works" on your computer.

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website, Pink Saturday

NEW PAINTING - SUNSET WITH RAYS

Sunset with Rays

Original Watercolor by Barbara Rosenzweig

A brilliant yellow-gold sunset is an awsome sight, especially when its rays shine through colorful clouds! This is paradise - relaxing, calm, full of peace! I hope that you will enjoy this bit of peaceful bliss!

Posted by Barbara Rosenzweig

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website

UGLY LEAVES! WHAT TO DO?

What to do with ugly, dying leaves? It seems that gardeners never tire of creating ways to hide unsightly, yellowing daffodil and tulip leaves!

Once the flower blooms and the petals fall off, if you are crazy like me, you can cut the flower stalks so that the "fruit" won't have a chance to form. That way, the energy that it would take to form the seeds will instead go into the bulb for the next year.

As for the leaves, when they are still green but start to flop over, it is okay to cut off the top half of the leaves, allowing the remaining part of the leaves to continue photosynthesizing, sending food to the bulb (a storage stem). They will stay upright for a while longer. When the leaves turn yellow, you can cut them to the base of the plant. Some people braid them (sorry to say that I once did that), twist them and tuck them under themselves, and/or bend and push them under surrounding plants. All are fine to do and you just have to decide how much labor you are willing to put in.

If you live in the Philadelphia, PA area, don't forget to stop by the Tamanend Art Show, Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can check out my flower paintings, Bucks County covered bridges, and beach scenes. There will be lots of other artists displaying their work, too. All art will be for sale. Refreshments will be served.

For details http://uppermoreland.patch.com/events/tamanend-park-art-show-93ba8424

Happy Gardening!

Posted by Barbara Rosenzweig

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website



New Painting - COVERED BRIDGE WATERCOLOR

Bucks County, PA, is know for its scenic beauty and historic covered bridges. I just couldn't resist painting this bridge! Do you have covered bridges where you live?

Covered Bridge

Watercolor by Barbara Rosenzweig

Website: http://www.WatercolorsByBarbara.com/

Etsy: http://BarbaraRosenzweig.etsy.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/barbrosenzweig/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WatercolorsByBarbara

Posted by Barbara Rosenzweig

 

Linked to Watercolors by Barbara Etsy Shop, Watercolors By Barbara Website

EXOTIC BIRD OF PARADISE PAINTING

EXOTIC BIRD OF PARADISE

Who can resist this tropical beauty! Fabulous colors, great shapes, and unusual textures. Create your own tropical paradise with this vibrant, colorful painting!

Bird of Paradise

Shoshi Nahmany from shusha64 created this tropical fantasy of a collection, including my Exotic Bird of Paradise painting! 

SUNSET WITH PELICAN

SUNSET WITH PELICAN

This Fine Art Photograph shows the brilliance of a dramatic fiery orange sky at sunset. The pelican adds a wonderful dimension to this Gulf of Mexico scene. Taken on Anna Maria Island in Florida, this photo will make a great addition to your home or a special relaxing gift for family, friends, teachers, and co-workers.

The MUSIC of COLOR

Iridonousa from Iridonousa made these wonderful selections for her collection. So happy that she included my Sunset with Pelican photograph!

SEA URCHIN

SEA URCHIN

The lasting color, the beautiful shape, the bumpy texture where its spines were attached, makes this sea urchin skeleton another one of Nature's treasures from the Sea. This painting makes a unique gift for a shore home, especially when grouped with my other shell paintings!

On Fire for Valentine's Day Gifts
"Featuring just a few of the wonderful On Fire for Handmade shops with great gift ideas for you to choose from," says Shelly from Shelly6262 .  I just love the fabulous colors of this collection!



Burgundy Desire!

BlissWorksStudio from BlissWorksStudio created this stunning collection! It's amazing how my sea creature, the Sea Urchin, fits in here! Enjoy!

BOWL OF BERRIES

BOWL OF BERRIES

This lushly filled fruit bowl is a feast for both the mouth and the eyes! The rich colors of strawberries, pomegranates, and blueberries will fill your kichen with vibrant colors and textures.

2012...Wishing for a "Berry" Happy New Year

Maggee G from CardsbyMaggey created this fabulous collection of handmade and fine art from Etsy. I hope that you especially enjoy my Bowl of Berries painting! Happy New Year!

RED ORANGE DAYLILY

RED ORANGE DAYLILY



Daylilies are super hardy in my summer garden. I love the brilliant colors and captured them in this fine art reproduction of my original watercolor painting - the day before hungry deer made a quick meal of them!!!

Careful...There be dragons in the secondary colors!
"It was difficult to find items with just orange green and purple, the secondary colors, but the ones I did find are so lovely. :)" says Maggee G from CardsbyMaggey .  My Red Orange Daylily had just the colors she needed. I hope that you enjoy all of the selections!

GIRL INTO THE SURF

GIRL INTO THE SURF

My wonderful scene shows the pure girlish delight at being on the beach. I tried to capture this child's independent strut into the surf to fill her bucket! Can you smell the salt air, hear the surf, and feel the sand between your toes?

Linking to Tell Me Tuesdays, Handmade Tuesdays, Share the Love Wednesday, Wow Us Wednesdays, Fall into Fall, Primp Your Stuff Wednesday, Fabulous Friday

Christmas at the Beach
"I am in Colorado, looking out the window at a foot of snow and its still snowing! I am longing for warmer weather and the beach. If only I could spend Christmas at the beach this year...," says Dawn Hitchcock from DawnHitchcock . My watercolor "Girl into the Surf" looks right at home here!

PINK HYDRANGEA

PINK HYDRANGEA

My garden is full of bright summer color, but softer tones come from my pale pink hydrangea. This painting is beautiful in country, modern, or your own special decor and makes a terrific companion piece to my "Pale Blue Hydrangea." The delicately charming hydrangea will be lovely as a treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a flower lover!

Love Blooms in Pink

VintageEye from VintageEye created this beautifully pretty in pink collection. I'm so pleased that my shabby chic Pink Hydrangea was included.