Here is a second collage painting. I actually worked on the previous posted painting and this one at the same time. Gluing papers down really sogs up the paper. While the first was drying, I started this painting. My approach was very different. I photographed the stages and have posted them here. This painting started on fresh untouched 140lb watercolor paper. With the paper upright on an easel, I sloshed on colors very loosely blocking in the composition. Then I started tearing and gluing (with diluted Elmer's white glue) different Japanese papers I had previously stained with watercolor paint. I added some painted tissue paper I made awhile ago. Then I let the whole thing dry. Yesterday I finished it with watercolor and some Stabilo Water soluable crayons. This is the brand Shirley Travena uses and I finally located them at Accent Arts in Palo Alto. I don't know that they are any different or better than Caran D'ache. I still operate under the delusion that if I have the same products I can get the same results as the artist I admire. I love Shirley's line work with the Stabilo Crayon. My rational brain knows that it is the hand of the artist, not the marker that makes the difference, but it couldn't hurt to have the same brand. Right? I did wind up using a bit of white acrylic on the beard. This collage process makes it possible to go back and forth and make changes and corrections. I am very pleased with this painting. I have the next one planned....a self portrait. Check out David Lodenberg's blog (a link is on the side of my blog). He has issued a challenge to other artists to do a self portrait and send it to him, Posting will be the end of June.
I had a request for the titles of my Gerald Brommer books on collage, so here they are.
TRANSPARENT WATERCOLOR: ideas and techniques Davis Publcations 1973 (found in a used book store...lucky me!!!)
WATERCOLOR & COLLAGE WORKSHOP Watson-Guptill 1986 reprinted 1997
COLLAGE TECHNIQUES a guide for artists and illustrators Watson-Guptill 1994
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
ANOTHER COLLAGED WATERCOLOR PAINTING
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17 comments:
I love this work! The combination of collage and painting is truly fascinating to me. I've been working that way a lot lately, using acrylic rather than watercolor. I am signed up to take a workshop with Gerald Brommer at Cheap Joe's in July. I can't wait!
Thanks for showing this step-by-step. You should be pleased with it!
quite dramatic and expressive!!! much to admire :)
I am so glad you shared the steps with this because the middle one is so...well...ugly! ha ha This way I know there is an ugly stage that you work through and bring out the features and shapes better from that :) Wonderful finish! Looking forward to the portrait challenge - I think I'm going to try it, too :)
What I so enjoy about your work is your ability to capture the character of a person. These photos of your process are very interesting too. I am looking forward to your self portrait.
What a beautiful piece, so rich.
I really appreciated the process information also. I laughed when you shared about thinking if you use the same things will you have the same abilities . That's so funny, of course I had the same thought and believe many others too. But it was so refreshing to read it. Gosh, a sense of humor really helps ! Thank you
Elizabeth, thanks for the comment. I envy you the workshop experience with Brommer. Someday, I will take his workshop, too.
Thank you Meera. I appreciate the comment.
Rhonda, there is always a "preteen gawky stage" (ugly) that is worked through. I never used to let commissioned portraits be seen until the end for fear of scaring the sitter in the middle stages. I look forward to your self-portrait!
Leslie, happy to post the process. I would love to see your process in action as the results are so stunning.
Dominique, thanks for commenting. A sense of humor makes life joyful.
Wow, Myrna - FABULOUS. You continue to amaze and inspire me. I hope you'll enter him in a show - this painting blows my sox off! (must be the new crayons...hahahaha)
Myrna, Your work is not only skillfully executed but also texturally rich which greatly enhances the overall appearance. This is an innovative step forward for all portrait artists and will, no doubt, influence the works of many others. Kudos! - Kathy
Wow this ia amazing, I love how it turned out!
I think that your portrait really is stunning. I'm amazed at the texture and still the likeness is so well done. Have you tried using YES glue in your collages? How about mat medium? Thanks for the instruction dialog along with the photos.
Two of my favorite Kathys! Thanks for checking in. Just found out from Chris Beck that the Stabilo Crayons may not be light fast!!! I am doing a text now.
I hope I influence others to have fun and try new things.
Nina and Joyful, glad you like the piece. I have used Yes Glue and also mat medium. Elmer's diluted will take watercolor and mat medium not so much. Plus Elmer's is cheap and easier to dilute than Yes glue.
Wow! This one is a winner. Thanks so much for describing your process. I subscribe to the theory that if I just keep reading how a great artist does something, I will become a great artist -- so far it hasn't worked! However, it has given me a basis for improving my art. Keep up the great experiments.
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