Sunday 19 June 2011

Make art

These birds needed some more regal paper than the plain old cartridge they had been drawn upon. I mean, look at them - they're exotic, their plumage doesn't lift in any old damp wind, no it ruffles in tropical breezes laden with scents of spice and bloom.

One of them at least is destined to grace my final canvas from the Do What You Love retreat. It is so nearly finished... it just needs foliage and feathers for finishing finesse! I practiced a few and prepared to post them for Sunday Sketches, but they looked so sad in their black & white. These birds were meant for irridescent colour and songs to lift the heart. I treated them to a little swag and swirl and I think they feel much better for it. In fact, they've started squabbling over who gets to go in the painting, so it's getting a tad noisy round here... Time to move on.

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This next sketch went wrong. The poor lass had a mouth that didn't quite line up with her nose. However, there are never any mistakes or disasters in art - just opportunities to create something new (that's what I keep telling myself!).

First I dragged a wet brush over the watercolour crayons to smudge the colour, then I spiced her up in Photoshop with filters and blending - et voila - she sparkles! I learnt some new techniques by experimenting too. She's still hiding under that gossamer scarf though, despite the fact her features have undergone extensive PS surgery! Now, if only I could remember every step I went through for future reference...

22 comments:

  1. fabulous birds, how will you get an iridescent finish? I know what you mean about stages, sometimes you look at what you have done; then think oh bother I couldn't replicate that if I tried!

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  2. Love the birds and the background was definitely inspired - as for PS, each picture is a new adventure!

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  3. Oh those birds are great really love that line work!!! Isn't it funny how some 'mistakes' can take us in a whole new direction!! Really love the background in that one!!

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  4. Love watching you create--love these birds--I can see so much color in them!

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  5. Gorgeous birds...they are enchanting my heart as we speak...just beautiful! and love this sparkling girl as well...wonderfully mysterious and mystical..and very faery-esque...those eyes!!
    Beautiful
    Victoria

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  6. love these birds on the paper. Really cool. The girl is really fantastic. Yup, know what you mean about not remember what you did. I really like the result of the drag. You know enlarged it looks like if you used some sort of ink on a rippled acetic glass :). I really like it.

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  7. ah, final version of that painting eh.... can't wait to see it.

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  8. I love the birds and the girl is just awesome. :-)

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  9. those birds are great,, so much going on,, the coros are beautiful in the painting,, nothing lost, only gained

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  10. I agree with your decision with the birds- it's much more entertaining and simplistic!

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  11. He he... I need to look at your pictures first before i read your criticisms of your work! I think both pieces are lovely. Guess we're all our own worst critic!

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  12. I like your sketches, you're too hard on yourself!

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  13. I think one of these parrots would look great on your blogs background, over in the tree singing. they are wonderful.

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  14. Love the birds...perfect background...it totally does them the justice they deserve! Beautiful!

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  15. The birds really do look nice with that beautiful background! Your birds are well done, too!.
    the face is cool, too! have a good sunday!

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  16. Lovely birds! I wonder which one will make the cut. I like the one right in the middle!

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  17. Great line work on the birds and it will be fun to see which one of these little guys makes it into your painting! Oh how I love your lady, the colors SING!!! definitely not a mistake - she is effervesant!


    How are you dear friend? Still crazy busy? I want to hear about this new venture you are in the midst of...sounds exciting!

    talk soon,

    hugs and smiles
    xo

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  18. Fun birdies! I like the background you added.

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  19. You always make me smile when I read your posts. Ha! Like what you did/turned your lass into, as well as the colour choice. And your exotic birds are divine as well. Not ever tried to draw any to that extent. Very nice work.

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  20. I enjoyed your bird dialogue and sharp sketches. The woman is very striking and the glow is fabulous!

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  21. Birdy, birdy, I want more birdy! ;) They're looking great. Love to see the finished girl artwork.

    You're so full of creative energy after the retreat, good on you! :D

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  22. I love those birds and the background - it definitely creates a sense of movement and you can almost hear them chirping amongst themselves. Sounds like you had fun creating them! :)

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Thank you for your comments - I always love to hear what you think :)

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