Gray Cat using Daniel Smith's Moonglow.

[Joy]

I had been saving this photo reference to use with Daniel Smith’s Moonglow, which granulates in a beautiful way into the component colors. I did add a wee bit of the green and red of the base colors. I did not go dark enough in the beginning stages, and did not know what to do with the cat’s left side (viewer’s right), as it was leaning against a couch. So it looks rather “cut off”. Plus it is overworked and I used too much water. This is A4 size on Arches 140 CP. The ref photo is first. I really struggle with interpretation of a subject.

 

[Donna T]

You do beautiful work with watercolors, Joy. I like the touches of red and green a lot; evidence that an artist did this, not a camera. The cat looks so soft and to me, it does look like it’s leaning against something like a cushion.

 

[Jade]

I agree with Donna, Joy. I love the touches of colour and like the penguin you did recently, it gives it real "life". I also like the way the background colour compliments the cat too.

When you say you struggle with the interpretation of a subject, what does that mean to you? Because I think you've done that here.. you have interpreted it. It's not exactly the same as the photo and I feel like you've injected some "Joy" into it!

 

[Bartc]

Really really good! You captured the cat's eyes and expression masterfully. I like your choice of WC.

As to the scrunched right side of the cat, you can readily expand that a bit and round it with darks.

 

[Joy]

Thanks for your kind words and sage advice. Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jo Castillo]

Just beautiful!

 

[Sanlynn]

Waiting for the paint has paid off big time. Wonderful feel to the fur and beautiful eyes.

 

[ams]

Wonderful Joy. I love the effect you were able to get gray on the fur. Also, the eyes are perfect.

 

[Joy]

Jo, Sandra, Anne, thank you! I had the paint a while. It was something I didn't really need, as I have so much paint. But DS has so many lovely colors I see on videos that are so appealing!

 

[Enyaw]

and did not know what to do with the cat’s left side (viewer’s right), as it was leaning against a couch. So it looks rather “cut off”

Some nice happenings here. The right is just a different and more detailed study of values. The values dissolve one into the other making a seamless step into atmosphere. Your values are too separated and independent on each other. The cat and couch need to become one

 

[Joy]

Wayne, thank you - I realized that was likely the case, but just felt like I worked on this long enough for now. Thanks for your input. Your work is greatly admired.