Crow in watercolor

[Joy]

This is on Arches 140 CP, 9 x 7. It was done for a challenge on another site, and I am very unhappy (nothing new there) with the results. The photo provided did not have a lot of value changes, so I manipulated it some and looked at other refs. When I tried to add a wee bit of definition under some of the feathers, it looked too erratic and unnatural. So, I just kept adding more layers. First, it was too light overall in value, then not enough areas that were left light for contrast. When I tried to exaggerate the values and colors, it appeared inconsistent and blotchy.

 

[Donna T]

I think it’s really well done, Joy, but I understand that our work never quite matches up with our vision. The crow’s feathers have just the right amount of definition for me and I like how there is a softness to his/her outer edges. The beady black eye is perfect!

 

[Terri]

Oh, Joy. You're always so hard on yourself. Not that we don't understand the feeling, but your work is consistently good.

I agree with Donna! That beady eye is perfectly outlined, and the catch light well placed. I love the softness of this- it has a lovely pastel look to it.

A crow is a crow - a type of blackbird- so working in details requires just what you have done with lighter/darker values to give the impression of feather detail. That's all you had to do and you did it!

I bet if you put this aside and looked at it again in a week or so - after doing other work - you might have a more positive view of it.

 

[Joy]

You are too kind. I actually like it less today. While it is not terrible, it was not what I started out to do at all, based on some other works which I admire. Even though I want a fresh, colorful, modern look, I frequently end up with something that looks like a Victorian holiday card. It just lacks definition and form. At least I like a small part of it - the eye!

 

[Balaji]

Wow! I love it.

 

[john]

I like it. Suits the inscrutable crow.

 

[Artyczar]

This is amazing (to me). You can like it "less," but I've looked at it a couple of time, and I like it more each time. What does that say about me? I don't know.

 

[snoball]

I really like it, Joy. And if you are dissatisfied with it, it would make a good candidate for some white charcoal, pastel, or chalk highlights.

 

[Joy]

This is amazing (to me). You can like it "less," but I've looked at it a couple of time, and I like it more each time. What does that say about me? I don't know.

It says you are very kind and diplomatic!

I really like it, Joy. And if you are dissatisfied with it, it would make a good candidate for some white charcoal, pastel, or chalk highlights.

Yes, I think it does not have enough value contrast and shape.

 

[PaintBoss]

I think it’s very well executed. I think it has a lovely soft look, which may not be what you were going for. I like how you treated the light.
Is the paper causing the issue if you wanted a sharper or more contrasting or deeper/ modern look?

 

[Joy]

I think it’s very well executed. I think it has a lovely soft look, which may not be what you were going for. I like how you treated the light.
Is the paper causing the issue if you wanted a sharper or more contrasting or deeper/ modern look?

Thanks! It was Arches paper. I use too much water, over work, and try to blend too much. I need to work on more value contrast.

 

[PaintBoss]

Someone suggested using other mediums on top if you want to go further. I agree. I even think you could go in with coloured pencil. I think that could be really gorgeous and striking.

 

[ams]

Joy, I like how it came out. For myself, my work doesn't always come out the way I envision it. I have just come to the point where I enjoy the process and accept my style instead of trying to adopt one that isn't natural for me. I love loose, impressionistic work in others but I have never been able to paint in that style myself. I just accept the fact and admire the style when others paint that way.