Watercolour Landscapes

An exercise to revive my watercolour techniques after painting so much in acrylic

Peonies in a Blue Vase

Acrylic 29cm x 18.5cm of Peonies in a Blue Vase. Started life as a watercolour then finished with acrylics. It is painted on heavy watercolour paper. 

Feeling Relaxed

A small 9" x 5" acrylic painted on Langton 140lb Not Watercolour paper. I watched a live SAA workshop today by Hashim Akib but he was doing a large full face lion using large brushes. I only wanted to paint a small acrylic of a sleeping lion photo so I challenged myself to be distracted by his technique so that I would change mine somewhat. I was pleased with this result especially that I began with a blue background like he showed the class. Otherwise I went my own way, using a fan brush but following him in layering in the colours using only a few relevant strokes. I think the blue background certainly helps, especially when I added touches of viridian and maroon which are enlivened by the blue. My painting looked best in the early stages and I aim to repeat on a bigger scale following Hashim's instructions more closely.

Valley In the Lakes

Painted this "Valley in the Lakes" to try out a technique of beginning an acrylic with a white thick sky into which I introduce colours while wet and blend a little. Quite successful despite the fast drying time of acrylic. Colours were Ultramarine, burnt umber, paynes grey and cadmium yellow.