Festive Spirit

With less than a month to go until Christmas, it's time to try and get into the festive spirit. What better way than to design some festive looking paintings. This is my first edition, but I do not think it is my best. You would think Geese are a simple subject, but believe me it is harder than it looks. I have trouble getting their overall shape correct and I think this image demonstrates that. They have unusual shaped beaks and lower bodies. The first two on the right look fine, but it is the one to the left which seems a bit plump and 'squashed' to me. One thing I am pleased with is the background. I have created quite a lovely snowy atmosphere. Dropping water onto the slightly wet paint made the snowflake effect, but I could definitely use more practice with this method to get it perfected and a little less messy. I also enjoy the overall feeling of the painting. It is serene, and the Geese look thoroughly happy to be enjoying a walk through the snow!

Grasshopper

Well I did say I was going to attempt something a little different, and here is the end result. Insects like grasshoppers are very rarely portrayed in art, but I find them endlessly fascinating.
This little guy was a real challenge to paint. The bodies of insects are so intricate that watercolour does not really do them justice. However, I am quite proud of this piece. I think the shadows on the blade of grass/leaf are the most successful areas.
With Christmas on the horizon I think it is time to return to designing some festive images. Robins are the most obvious choice, but I may try a mammal, such as a Red Squirrel. Watch this space...

A taste of Summer

Now that the Autumn chill is here, the last of the butterflies have disappeared. I am hoping that the dense cover of Ivy and other vegetation around the shed at the bottom of our garden will provide shelter for some to hibernate.
As mentioned in my previous post, I wanted to try painting something different that I have not attempted before. Therefore last weekend I created this little number. At first glance the form of a butterfly may seem simple to recreate. However the intricate curves and patterns are actually a real challenge to draw. I think I also struggled to portray the vibrant orange on the wings, such is the nature of watercolour.
I am proud of this first attempt. I rarely paint flowers but I think the buddleia here is colourful enough and the basic structure fairly accurate. Above all this painting makes me look forward to next Spring/Summer, when the butterflies grace our gardens once again.