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Saturday, September 26, 2009

Exploring Options

Now this is what I'm talking about! This is definitely an option worth considering. I hit this one with the watercolor filter and got some real impact going on. It makes the original painting look downright drab. Anyone up for watercolor and wet charcoal?
IMO, this is a job for colored pencils. Not sure which filter I used for this effect but if anyone is interested I can sure go back and find out.

Last night I opened Elements and experimented with my latest painting. I got some interesting and extremely varied results. To tell the truth, the first time I considered painting the birch reference I thought of Nick Simmon's koi technique. His 'sewing machine stitch'(one of many unique techniques he demos on his DVD) and the use of spattering with a toothbrush to add shading and volume came to mind immediately. I will need to think on a much larger scale but I may try it out on a closeup section to see if I can pull it off. I'll need to order some full sheets of HP as well. It sure won't be Arches HP, though. I really should contact that company and let them know the problems I've had...at least with this latest block.

9 comments:

vivien said...

well I thought the original was very successful but this one is gorgeous!

well worth experimenting with charcoal in wet paint :>)

Neocolor II ????

Billie Crain said...

Thanks, Vivien.:) I'm trying out different approaches to my Berries & Birch before committing to a larger final. Diving into a large format painting w/o road testing my options is just a paper waster, IMO. I've got a large poppy painting on hold because I chose to jump in on the deep end before checking to see if things would work out first.

Billie Crain said...

Forgot to comment...Neocolor II? Not familair with that one. I'll have to check into it. I did road test wet charcoal and water soluble graphite with good results.

Nick said...

I like the ghostly look in this Billie. The PS watercolor filter if fun to experiment with, gives you good ideas about texture and all of those dark accents. And it can turn an ordinary photo into something much more intersting, just ask Sheryl L.! ha ha ha

Billie Crain said...

I love playing in Elements, Nick. It's trying to recreate the effect IRL that's a bugger.:(

Unknown said...

Hi Billie, just found your blog! Love the look of that one with the watercolour filter. When I first saw it, it reminded me of the "gouache resist" technique with the india ink. Have you seen that before?

Billie Crain said...

Hi Patty! Welcome to my blog.:) I've never heard of this technique. Do you have any links you could share? I'd love to see how it's done.

Tonya Vollertsen said...

Hi Billie, I found your blog by clicking the "next blog" button from my blog. This image captured my attention as it reminds me of some photos I've taken of red Japanese lanterns in a leafless tree with dark bark. It is a stunning image and I've enjoyed seeing your experiments with it.

Billie Crain said...

Thank you and welcome to my blog, Tonya!