Friday, January 11, 2008

It's All About Shapes










This version of the Ti leaves is all about shape, so I painted the shapes negatively. I first poured the background - Winsor Red, Winsor Blue and Winsor Yellow, and then painted behind shapes layer by layer, going darker with each layer. This was a relaxing painting to do. The hardest part was waiting for each layer to dry.

9 comments:

Watercolors by Susan Roper said...

Relaxing?!! The few times I have tried to do negative painting in this way I was anything but relaxed! Frustrated mightily was mor elike it. I got so lost in all those shapes.

This is a great companion to the first in the series of Ti leaves. I love the gracefulness of the leaves and those colors sing.

Doris Joa said...

This is absolutely beautiful Michelle. It seems that you are having a lot of fun. I like how you have placed the colours, really very beautiful.

Michelle Himes said...

I know what you mean, Susan. When I first tried negative painting I got frustrated too. Probably still would if I was doing tree branches or anything small. These shapes were pretty easy to do. Thanks for the comment.

Thank you too, Doris. I AM having a lot of fun with these.

About said...

Oh very nice! I just did a little negative painting on my last one...very tricky stuff! This turned out beautifully, and really showcases negative painting done well!

Joan said...

The shapes came out really well in this. Your negative painting was perfect for this. I love how the background color came out for the leaves. The first layer of the pours gets such a good glow.

Sandy Maudlin said...

Michelle,
WHAT A GLOWING PAINTING! I saw it on wet canvas and popped over here to make a comment. By focusing on the shapes, rather than the object you were painting, you really made a striking and beautiful statement - one I want to look at for quite a while. Have a great weekend.
Sandy

Sandy Maudlin said...

Another thing - this would make a great subject to paint like Nick does with his KOI paintings. Maybe you'll explore that idea???

Judybec said...

This is very beautiful! I love the colors and the way they flow... I never heard of this technique before.

Michelle Himes said...

Thanks, Tracy, Joan, Sandy and Bec.

I tried really hard not to lose that glow. Sandy, I DO want to explore Nick's Koi technique - I have some photos of irises with lots of leaves that I thought would be good for that. It would probably work well with this too.