Monday, February 17, 2014

GREY HERON - PART 4


Here is the finished painting. I basically worked all over the bird at the same time starting with the bill then laying in the warm purplish washes of the head and neck. Next I turned my attention to the back and the wing taking special care to get the correct look of the feathers. While one area was still wet, I worked on another back and forth until I was happy with how the painting was progressing. By now the bird had flown away but I still had enough information to continue. I initially got the shape of the eye wrong but was able to wash out the area and start again when it had dried. After the bird was almost complete, I added a few more washes to the background rocks then let the painting sit for a few days - that way I find it easier to see what needs to be done next. A little darkening here and there and that was it. Grey Heron, watercolor, 11" x 8".

4 comments:

john said...

Another great watercolor. I liked the way you described the difficulty of getting the background to compliment, rather than compete with the main subject in your Part 3 post.

Paschalis Dougalis said...

Wonderful Jeremy!I love the way you apply these transparent layers..

Jeremy Pearse said...

John thanks, I'm sure as an artist, you too have all these questions and thoughts during the creation of a painting. Usually one is able to find answers to them and so continue on to a completed work.

Jeremy Pearse said...

Thanks very much Paschalis! For me working in this manner, this is one of the best ways to try and express myself as an artist.