Deb Ward, GWS, OWS, PWS, WSI - WATERCOLOR/WATER MEDIA - My passion is teaching adult “beginners”. Weekly classes in my home; workshops; classes for Cincinnati Recreation Commission. My work is nationally recognized and published - see “Featured” on my sidebar. I’m a Signature Member of Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana state Watercolor Societies, Cincinnati Art Club, past-President of Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Contact info below under “Class Information”

Thursday, January 5, 2012

ORIENTAL PAINTING - 6

Well, after my disconcerting discovery, I decided to forge onward.

Color was put into the hair ornaments of all of the geishas – and then it was on to the kimonos.

From my original (??) concept, I had planned on the main geisha to be wearing red and black with some gold.

The small geisha on the right was planned to be in similar colors to the flowers, so that she just sort of blended in.

I got out all of my oriental fabrics to help me decide on the colors for the center geisha, and decided on a vivid blue and teal with gold design work.

I tried out, or “auditioned”, my color choices on some Dura Lar. This is a thin acrylic sheet which I can lay over my painting and color on with my Caran d’Ache crayons. You can also use the thin acrylic sheet from an old poster if you (or your kids) have any. This lets you see how the color (or values) will look before you actually paint onto your picture. I’m sure most of you are aware of this, but some of you “newbies” might like this tip.

Just be aware that the colors might appear a bit gaudy since you can’t really blend colors nor soften the edges – but it can be a big help, especially if you only need help with your values.

My original geisha idea seemed to be working and I decided to keep the round fan in violet. However, I decided to change my left fan to red and put some red into the kimono of the left geisha.

I also changed the kimono on the left geisha to purple.

At this point I took a little break from the geishas to begin a watercolor - working at one table on the geishas and at another table on the watercolor!

7 comments:

mollie jones said...

This is looking fabulous, Deb...it's going to be another winner for you for sure. Can't wait for the next "installment".

Christiane Kingsley said...

I love this: the colors, the design in the background, the entire composition!

laura said...

I LOVE your color choices! And have been very interested following the whole process, from your beautiful drawing on. The chrysanthemum shapes are fantastic.

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

Following your progress with interest Deb, so glad you didn't discard this concept! I'm enjoying your palette so much this time

RH Carpenter said...

This is looking good so your changes worked well - I can't wait for the darkness of the hair to really make things zing!

Unknown said...

cool..
cool blog.. :)

debwardart said...

Mollie - from your lips!
Thanks Christiane, you are always so complimentary!
Laura, glad I've kept your interest - hang in there!
Thanks Teresa and Rhonda.