Wednesday 19 October 2011

Trying out a watercolour technique....

One style I quite like in Watercolour is a loose quick style .....I've done several sketches and paintings in this type of style recently and had some very positive feedback about it.   I don't do a pre pencil sketch or outline I just load my brush with the chosen paint and basically draw with the brush, then add drops of stronger colour whilst the first wash is wet.  When that dries I then add some detail.

Here I have done a watercolour of William in that technique



He is quite a difficult subject as his coat is very complicated, but I kept going and the final touch was to add a few strips of white gouche which the photo doesn't show up the same as in reality, but take my word for it.  I was quite pleased with the result, although I think his nose dips a bit too much,  never mind I'll no doubt be doing lots of paintings of him, but for now I'm quite pleased with this one......by the way his expression at the time was "I'm listening to you but I'm not going to look at you" - anyone who has a dog will know that one!









20 comments:

Judy said...

Wow, this is great, Ann! I love his eye and nose, wonderfully done! And his coat is great too. I love it!

Joni Nickrent said...

This is amazing...love it! POP ART MINIS

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Judy...I was surprised how the eye turned out actually because I simply did a triangle outline, and then softened the edges of it with a damp brush...and there it was!

and Thank you Joni - I appreciate that.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't believe when I saw this,, its so much like one I did, its in my Etsy,, my friends dog, he's a shaggy old fellow, your's is so much more classy,, beautiful. I find this way of painting is helping me through my failing vision,, I love it and its teaching me lots!Great painting!

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks for stopping by Laurie and leaving a comment and oh my goodness I just checked your etsy shop and you are right...they do look alike...cant believe it, although I really like the colour of your painting. (but dont tell William, he will be really upset with me, but he knows we love him). Sorry to hear about your failing sight though.

bohemiannie! art said...

I DO know that expression...and you've captured it PERFECTLY! I love this one!!!

Maureen said...

Great watercolor sketch. I love how his nose looks wet.

Anonymous said...

This is really beautiful painted Ann. You see the playful character of William in it and especially the eyes are painted so vivid.

Robyn Sinclair said...

That William is one gorgeous fellow! Beautiful painting, Ann. You've captured his expression so well. Brava, brava.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thank you so much Annie :)

Thanks Maureen...the wet nose was done by taking paint out before it completely dried...

Thanks Renske...I appreciate that...

Thank you Robyn, and doesn't William know it!

Sadeu said...

very well obtained the watercolor dog, Ann

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thank you very much Sadeu :)

Timaree said...

He is just beautiful. You've captured a wonderful feeling in his eyes. So spirited.

robin cox walsh said...

Ann, this is superb! Of course you had the perfect model! LOL

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks freebird

Thanks Robin - He knows you're his No.1 fan!

Pat said...

aha! the gorgeous William!
Love the look in his eye - and his coat too. You did a great job :) xx

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thanks Pat....I'll let William know you think he is gorgeous!

ashok said...

The eye has come out beautifully...

check this out
http://ashokism.blogspot.com/2005_05_01_archive.html

Krista/Ruca said...

Ann, if you keep this up you're going to get sick of me telling you how brilliant I think your loose dog portraits are. William deserves no less than the best of course so he's lucky to have you as his official Artist of his Royal Highness.

ann @ studiohyde said...

Thank you ashok and Ruca - and cheers Ruca for your compliments, well appreciated here...and from his Royal Highness!