Island Style #3

[Val]

The photo is a bit off in colour. The background is actually Pthalo Green. He's a little bit out of whack due to  ...  !!  No really...the  was really rocking when I attempted this. Anyway, will try a few more when its a little calmer. I think I may just try a group theme.

[Kelley]

I didn't realize you could get such dark, saturated colors in w/c.  It looks pretty nice actually.  I like the contrasting.  Good work Val.

[Val]

This is actually acrylic. I have used watercolour almost straight from the tube and it is almost as brilliant as the acrylic. Still haven't quite got the knack of the acrylics. Still trying to get an even wash(?) with them. Thanks for the comment Kelley. Going back to the w/c to have a go at some bushes! Dennis did a marvellous video on them.

While I'm here, is there anyone can answer me this....how do you go about getting a nice even background colour with acrylics? Do you thin them or heavier? I don't seem to be hitting the right formula 

[Kelley]

Years ago when I attempted acrylic I would thin the paint for an even background.  I would put a second coat if needed as long as the first coat had finished drying.

[nolan]

Awesome Val, he goes well with the ladies you have already done

the trick with blending in acrylics is to not have the paint dry on the area you are still blending otherwise you are painting onto a dry area which gives you thicker and thinner areas, so I use a spray bottle set on a fine mist to keep the paint moist if I am blending a large area. A second coat will also smooth out the paint out.

[patindaytona]

It's nice Val. Like the pure solid simplicity of expressing it.

[Kelley]

Good point Nolan. I completely forgot how to blend acrylics. I like the tip about having a spray mister to keep the area moist.

[Val]

I definately will remember the misting bottle, great idea.  Although...I might be better off with a hose! Here are the two together, will have to take them out again...forgot to sign them!  Amazing the difference the matt makes.

[Kelley]

 

[nolan]

the mat inserts really tie them together nicely

[Val]

Thanks Nolan...I took these mats from some old prints I had lying around. Just happened to be the right size! (the colours worked out pretty well too!) 

[dennis]

The 2 need to be hung together as the mat of the one complements the picture of the other 

[Val]

   

[nolan]

You could even frame them in the same frame

[Kelley]

  That's a great idea Nolan.