The Value of Value Studies

 

Suddenly my eyes are open re: the value of value studies, thanks to Geoff Allen, whose 2-day workshop I took last week in Alameda, Ca. What a talented artist and great teacher.

Geoff emphasized the creating of small value studies in order to work out lights, mediums, and darks before starting a painting. It helps balance the composition as you link the medium-value areas for unity, and, as importantly, determine where to save the white/light areas. (Since watercolors are mostly transparent, you can't use lighter colors over darker ones; you have to save the light areas all throughout the painting process.) 

Awhile back I took a workshop from Midwestern artist Andy Evansen, who also emphasizes value studies. I did them for awhile but fell away from the practice. But I'm older and (theoretically) smarter now, and I see the need more clearly. 

I'm having a great time with these studies in my 7x10" spiral-bound Stillman & Birns sketchbook, Zeta Series. Typically you use just one color of paint, but sometimes it's tempting to add another color or two, for emphasis/interest or to test out foundational colors for the painting.

Of course, sometimes the value study is better than the ensuing "real" painting. (That is the case re: the top study; I've tried two versions that have bombed.) Or sometimes the study doesn't grab you enough to want to make a painting from it. Whatever the case, I'm having fun trying, and I think this is an important skill to develop within the watercolor learning curve. 

Line of Trees Near Fort Mason
10" x 10" watercolor
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

Thank you, artist Howard Jones: your demo painting of a tree could be life-changing. Yes, I've thought this before with other artists, and I know this painting doesn't show it yet, but I feel like Jones' demo unlocks some of the keys for loosening up as a watercolorist. I won't go into detail; I'll just continue to practice some of his techniques and see what develops.

I've painted three compositions in the last two days, none of which makes my heart sing. But I've been reviewing wisdom from Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking, by David Bayles and Ted Orland, and this passage reminds me that these "blah" paintings are necessary:

"The function of the overwhelming majority of your artwork is simply to teach you how to make the small fraction of your artwork that soars. One of the basic and difficult lessons every artist must learn is that even the failed paintings are essential....[Y]ou learn to make your work by making your work, and a great many of the pieces you make along the way will never stand out as finished art. The best you can do is make art you care about--and lots of it!" 

So today a big thank you goes to Howard Jones for new ideas and to Bayles and Orland for inspiration to continue.   

Canna Alternative

 

Canna Study
watercolor and ink on
Stonehenge 100% cotton Aqua Hotpress

Not satisfied with the last canna painting, I tried this version just to loosen it up. I put a few lines down with a stick dipped in permanent black ink, then sloshed the bright pinks, oranges and yellows for the flower. Probably should have left it at that, as the background got too dark and busy. But will move on to the next one.  

Reminder: Art Learning Curves Can Be Difficult...and Lengthy

 

Canna Study
6" x 8" watercolor
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

Yes, I was reminded yesterday, as I felt this painting going south, that practicing art on a regular basis can sometimes be more frustrating than fun. Once again, I gave in to my perennial temptation to use watercolors like tempera paints. Over four hours' time, I over-worked and over-layered with the paint. Everything got too dark and too defined and I had to go out for a long walk--and for ice cream--to ease the frustration.

Was it all a waste of time? No. Not if I take the lessons forward. 

That's why, when someone asks how long it took to do a particular painting, it's reasonable and absolutely correct to say, "Years and years, many failed paintings, and quite a few ice cream cones."  

Crab Cove Treasures

 Close-by Robert Crown Memorial Beach and State Park is a gift that keeps on giving, year round. Colors and textures change nearly every day. Earlier this year the poppies were prolific. I loved their oranges against the whites and buffs of this beautiful little tree.  

Golden Gate Park

 

Golden Gate Park Conservatory
10" x 14" watercolor
Arches 100% cotton cold press paper

These two out-buildings near the Golden Gate Conservatory caught my eye the other day--because of the whites of the buildings against that cobalt blue sky and the palms in the background. 

Whatever catches my eye and gives me joy to look at--that's what I decide to paint.

As with my last painting, I experimented with a more muted palette than usual and tried to let the water do more of the work. That's two in a row I'm rather pleased with. What's going on? 

Tahoe Forest

 

Tahoe Forest 
9" x 12" watercolor
on Stonehenge Aqua Hot Press

I was after something looser than the painting in the last post. Something that catches an essence without getting bogged down in details. Rather pleased with this one. 

Sometimes it's hard to go on to the next painting after you have produced one that you like. It's quite possible, maybe even likely, that the next one won't lift your heart. Makes it hard to start up again. 

But start up again, you must--if you want to call yourself a practicing artist. Emphasis on practicing.