My first painting!

[Your Permanent Record]

Reference image:

Painting:

 

[Artyczar]

Nice. Keep working and posting more.

 

[stlukesguild]

I like the funky clouds better than those in the photograph. Just an idea: think about adding some colors into your use of black or gray. And as Arty suggests: keep working.

 

[john]

Congrats on your first painting!! A journey begins with the first step. You made a good one! I think I can speak for us all here that we would love to see more of your steps.

 

[Rikard]

That is really good. And especially for a first try. Great gradation in the sky. And I also like your clouds a lot. They have character.

 

[Your Permanent Record]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I'm glad you all like the clouds! That was totally intentional.


Did another today!
Reference image:

Painting (two steps):

I don't have white paint, and realized too late I painted over the sun area. I tried taking everyone's feedback into account!

 

[Balaji]

Wow! Such a huge improvement from your first painting to your second one. I can't wait to see more posts from you.

 

[Artyczar]

Wow, your 2nd painting is a great improvement. I especially love light blue areas in the snow. The piece itself has a ton of character. Great job. keep working, working, and more working.

 

[Joy]

Sp great to see your progress! These are watercolors? It helps to post the media and size. I found that using cotton watercolor paper is necessary for a good result. Often the journals are cellulose paper. The biggest error I made when starting to paint was thinking I could save money on cheap paper until I got "better".

 

[ams]

Good growth in just 2 paintings. Congratulations!

I agree with Joy about the paper. Cheap paper just doesn't take the watercolor the same as a good cotton paper. 140 lb cold press watercolor paper is a good choice for beginners.

 

[Your Permanent Record]

Sp great to see your progress! These are watercolors? It helps to post the media and size. I found that using cotton watercolor paper is necessary for a good result. Often the journals are cellulose paper. The biggest error I made when starting to paint was thinking I could save money on cheap paper until I got "better".

They are! The description of the sketchbook I'm using says it's a fine tooth surface, which sounds a lot like your description of cellulose paper.

Media: Måla watercolor paints (Ikea)
Size: 8x10

 

[PaintBoss]

I can see that you are actively looking at composition, lines, and perspective. Great start. Looking and seeing is half the battle!
Next: Don’t be afraid of using more colour and contrast. Keep going!

 

[Waltar]

Wow, nice try! When I see this, it reminds me of my first painting. I made my first painting on Christmas, and it was a Christmas tree.

 

[snoball]

Really good progress! I like this one a lot.

 

[R. Ellis-Bowyer]

Well done on creating your first few paintings. I know its not easy to show people your work when you first start out... Just a few tips I used to give to my students when I was teaching - Don't be afraid to be bold with the colours . Also are you left or right handed? If you are a lefty, like myself, turn your pad upside down so the ring binder is on the righthand side. It will be more comfortable to use. Even better, would be to remove the paper from the pad and masking tape it to a wooden, non varnished board. This will stop the edges from wrinkling up. If it's normal papar you are using, you will need to stretch the paper before use. No need to do this if you are using watercolour paper though. Hope this helps and happy creating