Sunday, March 01, 2009

Trying something new

Time for another challenge! A few of my friends and I are going to tackle our backlogs of unfinished projects -- just one a month. Today is the first of the month, so I present here my first UFO. I began this one last month and set it aside in disgust when I found out that I had bitten off more than I could chew. Just about the time I was afraid that I had lost all urge to create... the incredible Sherry Goshon shared her techniques for a wall canvas using watercolor pencils and I HAD to try it.

While I do own a small set of watercolor pencils, I never played with them much until now, so the learning curve proved a little steep -- I made a total mess of my first attempt at using these techniques. sigh... I was too embarrassed to take a photo to show how badly I had mangled the canvas, but now I kind of wish I had because I think I may have rescued it.


It took a layer of gesso, a partial layer of texture medium, and yet a little more gesso to almost cover the original problems, but I'm pretty excited about the way she looks at the moment.

At the very least, I think I have finally learned to keep a very light hand with delicate techniques. My personal preferences run to the rule that "more is better", so this has been a challenge!

9 comments:

HElen said...

Judi, I love all this texture, it would be a really great piece!

BumbleVee said...

It's great!

I usually go the other way.... too tentative... especially with colour. I always figure I can add more and usually have to... but can't force myself to go dark enough most times....

Shashi Nayagam said...

I too am like Vee that I just can't force myself to go dark. That is what I am learning with my charcoal portraits.
Your canvas is looking beautiful with all the texture. I can't believe that you could mess anything up. You have a magic touch

sandy said...

Well this is cool. Very nice and soft.

Linda Fleming said...

Beautiful, Judi! And when you add the glaze, the white parts will have a pretty soft color tint.

Judi W. said...

I think it's fabulous! Reminds me of swirls of whipped cream, lol.

Anonymous said...

I love it too and think I am going to do texture on mine, when ever that may be, LOL!! Just lovely already Judi!

Jennifer Rose said...

very pretty! Love how her hair looks like it is blowing in the wind :D

Jacque Uetz said...

Judi, I love it as it was didn't think it could get much better but it did, you are so artistic..beautiful work!