What's different this time is that I apply an entire background and then go back for subjects. It's thought that a feeling of depth is easier to come by if one doesn't need to deal so much with borders. I suppose with backgrounds have a lot going on that that would be the case.
For those who read posts via email subscription or Facebook, it's a really great read to take in yesterday's comments. They are smart, sensitive, and fun. Check 'em out at http://nuncketest.blogspot.com/2011/03/call-me-fickle.html!
Amazingly, this already has the feel of glass!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about depth and borders. While I absolutely LOVE my transparent watercolors for my botanical work and illustration, I rarely use it for work such as landscapes or any time I know I will be filling the entire paper/canvas with background/middle and foreground, preferring the more opaque mediums such as acrylic and pastel. In watercolor, I do not like having to make the abrupt interruptions of leaving white/negative space or painting up to a border and having to lift my brush; my end result always looks too static to my eye, although I am in awe of all those artists out there who can splash their watercolors with abandon and produce such beautiful loose and glowing work. I enjoy the freedom opaque mediums allow when painting large continuous expanses of unbroken color(s) in my backgrounds and then layering over them. I never thought it through but now I realize that it is this very lack of "borders" that allows me to capture the feeling of depth.
We have an amazing number of crows here at the new house... maybe I should start sketching them! :-)
Strange how a few bright spots give that illusion of glass...
ReplyDeleteGreat description of depth and borders, Gretchen.
As you mention all your crows, just imagine how many species will be introducing themselves as Spring arrives for you.