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It is said by some, that you should never return to a watercolour painting and rework it. This follows the idea that watercolour should be fresh and precise on the first go, which is satisfying and represents watercolour at its purest. However ... some paintings which would usually be thrown away (I destroy about 70% of my work) seem to want another try. It's impossible to lift out and regain the white in most cases, but the darks can be darkened creating contrast, and the spare use of body paint (yes, it worked for Sargent) can really lift a painting. Here are three paintings I revisited last week. Here are a few recent paintings I'll be putting into the Croydon Art Society (I know, the glamour). Tower Bridge and the Italian street are typical and possibly unremarkable subjects for watercolour, but present enough challenges to be a satisfying exercise. The building site is now not such an unusual subject, and again, offers some exciting daubing for the artist. The riot is not often seen depicted in watercolour, but its a subject which draws me in and a proper treat to paint. You might see an obvious nod to the graphic novel and Ken Adam for which I am in complete agreement. My only problem with this painting is the group of riot cops, whose heads, because they're wearing helmets, look too big, which is a real learner mistake. So, the big heads are deliberate. CAS Spring Exhibition at The Clocktower, 9 Katharine St, Croydon CR0 1NX, 24 April to 12 May, 1030h - 1700h, closed Sunday and Monday. |
