September 2024 Water Media Challenge- Come join the fun!

[PaintBoss]

Well, if anyone has any paintings they finish late pls post here. People will be able to see the thread and comment, and I’ll be happy to come see what you have done. Just because we move into another month doesn’t mean you can’t submit something late. You will have to look further down the forum as it will not be at the top of the forum as we move forward.
I want to thank everyone for participating and I hope you’ve enjoyed September’s media challenge. I know I have certainly enjoyed seeing all your beautiful work! And I do appreciate you taking the time to participate. Right after summer, everything gets rather busy so it’s always nice having submissions!

 

[Grapes]

"Finn", size probably 12x18 cm, gouache on a notebook paper.

Finally managed to paint Finn . I think on the left eye I could work more. I quite didn't get it correct yet. Finn is sooo cute in his photo and I wish I could do better job on his portrait. Also, I have doubts about the color in his shadow part of the fur, I could try to find another tone there completely, now it looks too muddy, imo.
At least, I've learned how to make corrections over earlier layers and how to paint thinner layers in the beginning with gouache.
Thank you, Christine, for providing this photo!

 

[Grapes]

I might post the drawing I did first. I mainly do this to find where the shadow/light division is. Question: is there any product to seal the drawing before painting with gouache?

 

[PaintBoss]

Oh I love seeing these portraits of Finn!
Grapes don’t be too hard on yourself. You got the look of Finn! I can see where you really were looking and I can see him in it. No worries. I actually like your shadows/ colouring in the fur. I think you’ve gone for a more dramatic lighting look which looks quite cool. I think a lot of of us were trying to make decisions on how to handle the white fur, especially the shadows. It’s been commented on a lot. It’s interesting to see the different ways people have handled it and they all look very cool. The closest I would say is Joy’s portrait. She was kind enough to send it to me and and we absolutely love it! Thank you Joy. I really like how she handled the colouring and the shadow of white fur. I believe she expressed that she wasn’t sure if she got it right too. So so it’s been a bit of a challenge for everybody. As far as staying true to the picture reference, I can tell you she handled it beautifully and I have been studying it to see how she did it. Colours, etc. So it might be worthwhile if you’re unsure and you want to change anything, to go and take a look or if anyone else wants to see the colours she chose.
However, I want to encourage you that you’re allowed to find your own voice and style as well. You don’t have to be a slave to the photo reference. Unless you want to be as close as possible. It depends on your desire/ intent. And this means that there’s a broad space to put your own stamp on this subject. That can be very successful too and very fun. I think you’re doing a great job and I’m thrilled you shared it with us. Thank you for including your pre-drawing. I know there’s different things you can use for different mediums to seal, but I’m not sure what would work with a water-based medium that you add on top. Maybe someone else will know.

 

[Grapes]

Thank you, PaintBoss, for your lovely answer and comment. I agree in all you write above.
I think my gouache painting of Finn is like the first umber layer what we often do with oil paints. The whole painting is like missing some fur and things .. could be .. just my thoughts today.

 

[PaintBoss]

I was thinking, especially as this is GOUACHE, that you could take some lighter paint - like a cream and go over the darker fur that is in shadow. That’s a great thing about that medium. That technique ( light over dark) works really well and I think if you put the lighter colour over it, you’re going to get closer to what I think you’re hoping for. You could take the focus off light coming from the direct right and more coming from the front. I think it’s a great underlayer for a lighter colour to go on top too. But that’s just my two cents.

 

[Grapes]

I'm so lost what it comes to pet portraits!
Christine, excellent ideas! I should try that! Thank you so much!