Great Tit

[Maybenartist]

I'm not very good with watercolour, but I'm trying to get back into painting and took this photo a while ago, so thought I'd begin with a subject I love, birds. I drew four different birds on A4 watercolour paper and hope to improve with each one. If I don't improve I'll revert to oil's, which are much easier for me

 

[ams]

This is beautiful. I love it! The wonderful contrast in values, the sparkle in the eye and the softness of the feathers all help to make it a successful painting.

Glad you decided to get back into painting and to share it with us.

 

[Maybenartist]

AMS: Thank you so much for your kind comments, I'm sure they will help with the next painting.

 

[Grapes]

Birds are lovely subject to choose, glad to see your art again and that you have returned to painting.
This bird painting is beautiful and sensitive, I like a lot the colors and the bird is perfect! You will have wonderful bird painting collection.

 

[Donna T]

You did wonderful work with this bird! The background colors really enhance it and I look forward to more of your watercolors.

 

[Joy]

I love birds, also. This rendering of the tit is very nice, especially the feather and branch texture. Wonderful limited colors. Is this a Zorn palette, modified for watercolors?

 

[Maybenartist]

Thank you so much, grapes.
 Your comments are inspiring.

Thank you Donna T I hope my bird paintings improve enough not to disappoint.

Thank you Joy.
When I paint oils I use the same 13 colours on my palette for every painting. When I began I tried the palettes of Zorn, his watercolours are extremely impressive, especially the way he paints water.

I only have one little watercolour box that is about 25 years old, shows how much I use them, I've never replaced any little squares and its a bit messy

 

[bethany]

This is great- I too love birds!
I have just completed a series of Australian bird paintings with inks and watercolours. As an oil painter- I found it challenging, but loved the end result.

 

[Maybenartist]

Thanks Bethany. I hope I get to see your series of birds at some point.

I have so many photos of birds it's hard to choose which to paint.

 

[Triduana]

Lovely painting, I really like the tilt of the head. The palette works really well too

 

[Jade]

This is really lovely! I think you are good at watercolour.

 

[Maybenartist]

Thank you Triduana

Thank you Jade, I'm not good at it, yet! But I'll certainly take your kind compliment

 

[Enyaw]

4 is a small number to expect improvement. In my opinion, putting such a thing on your plate is more destructive than helpful. That is a nice piece of work to build on. Give yourself room. The only way to improve is to put in the hours and love what you do. This is a great start.

 

[Maybenartist]

Thanks Enyaw. I'm of the mindset that any small improvement will be welcomed and I think although a low number, 4 should be enough to tell me whether or not I should return to my favourite medium of oils. Although my oil paints are about 25 years old too and I seem to have lacked the motivation to paint for far too long. Once again, thanks for your comments/advice.