my first watercolor -

[BYart]

Any comments appreciated!
I decided to try a set of Watercolor pencils I had and am happy with this first attempt. I have been mainly working in Pastels, but for the life of me haven't been able to be satisfied(as much as I would like) with the results.
AND...this medium is SOOOO much cleaner to work with!
Golden Retriever on Canvas(Fredrix pad)
Please, give me your feedback!
Thanks!

[Singular]

wonderful first attempt. I think it looks great. the face has a very nice realism to it.

great job,
Joe

[nigelartist]

Beautiful


SO realistic!

And the dog looks lovable!

[BYart]

Joe & nigelartist,
THANK YOU!
I have dedicated my attempts at this point to continueing in the watercolor medium. I am much more satisfied with the detail I am able to achieve, still trying to figure the mediums best application(ie was used to working dark to light)..have been reading tutorials online...and trial and error and practice, practice is helping.
Thanks you again for your input.

[bergina]

Hello BYart
Great job on the Golden, especially the color in the eyes and nose. Have you ever tried working with acrylics? I have painted quite a few Goldens and always struggled with color and creating the illusion of soft flowing layered hair. I like what you have done here. Unfortunately, I am very unfamiliar with watercolor techniques. If you have the time, I did post a couple of golden paintings earlier this year in Fury. Scroll back two to 5 pages as they should be there along with several other paintings of different
eeds. Look for Bergina. Goldens are still my favorite dog to paint as I think they are so challenging to do well. I am amazed that this is your first attempt, wow.
Al

[nigelartist]

In my experience I have found that watercolour is also very applicable to birds and flowers.

However, I find oil is good for landscapes, portraits and abstract.

[BAReam]

BYart;

I revived the thread realism/impressionism to give you an idea of gradation and texture achievable with transparent water color. Although not directly related to animal portraiture may be useful. If you like I could attempt to describe my method... let me know if you want me to do that.

all the best... Bruce

[BYart]

Hello BYart
Great job on the Golden, especially the color in the eyes and nose. Have you ever tried working with acrylics? I have painted quite a few Goldens and always struggled with color and creating the illusion of soft flowing layered hair. I like what you have done here. Unfortunately, I am very unfamiliar with watercolor techniques. If you have the time, I did post a couple of golden paintings earlier this year in Fury. Scroll back two to 5 pages as they should be there along with several other paintings of different
eeds. Look for Bergina. Goldens are still my favorite dog to paint as I think they are so challenging to do well. I am amazed that this is your first attempt, wow.
Al

Al,
Thank you so much for your reply and kind words! I haven't tried acrylics for years, am only recently getting into exploring my abilities.
I have done a Pastel of a Golden Pup(see my gallery), which was a bit easier as I had used a Pastel board as surface. Easier to achieve, at least for me, depth and contrast using the board as opposed to pastel papers.
I love your work, especially the Dogs I've seen you post(have looked at the archives). You are exceptionally talented!
I feel I owe you an apology though. I originally Titled this piece "The Golden Years", as I had thought it a good fit, then after seeing your work, I realized I must have seen that title on one of your pieces(while surfing in the past as a guest) and may have inadvertantly forgotten I had seen if before. I am so embarassed and do apologize for what may have appeared as my lack of respect. I have corrected the Title and would never want to feel as if I have overstepped my boundaries in any way.
I respect your talent and would love to be able to learn from you and the others here that are so much more talented and experienced than myself.
If I may be so bold, would you please look at my recent post of my 2nd watercolour attempt(also in Fury), and give me your critique as well?
Sorry for the length of this post, but please except my apologies and gratitude for your input!

[BYart]

In my experience I have found that watercolour is also very applicable to birds and flowers.

However, I find oil is good for landscapes, portraits and abstract.

Thank you!
I will try Oil one day soon, as my funds permit. It is a medium that scares me at present, well, makes me nervous anyway.

[BYart]

BYart;

I revived the thread realism/impressionism to give you an idea of gradation and texture achievable with transparent water color. Although not directly related to animal portraiture may be useful. If you like I could attempt to describe my method... let me know if you want me to do that.

all the best... Bruce

Bruce,
Thank you so much! I would be thrilled to have your description of your method! I saw your piece and it has made me pause for thought, I am certain any tips or help you can give would allow me to improve! So please!

[BAReam]

Barb

I'm a bit pressed for time but will post my method within the next couple days. As for oils, and any other medium, the key is to have fun and experiment, and not be concerned with producing a masterpiece right out of the gates. Trust me, you will look back someday and find things you really like, even in the pieces you consider utter failures. That is the nature of the process.

all the best... Bruce