Castle WIP

[guillot]

Hello everyone.

After much iternal debate, and questions by members as to whether or not I would do this one in a WIP, I've decided to go ahead and update as I go along.

I sketched out the castle Saturday, took about 3 hours (much less than the first one). Didn't go into all the intricate detail as before, but still some nonetheless.

I'm ready to begin applying oils. This one is going to be a long one for sure. It's on a 2 ft. x 3 ft. canvas, the castle itself is around 20 inches tall, 10 inches wide.

I'll attach below the reference picture provided to me from the client. Lot's of lovely fall colors in here! I've used a couple of other pictures to complete the skyline and the distance to the right of the castle.

Pray for me...........I'm going to need it :D

Tina

Here's the sketch (not sure how well things will show up for you):

[guillot]

Here is the reference photo:

Lovely, Huh?

Tina

[guillot]

There's a lovely play of sunlight and shadow here. Will be LOADS of fun to paint.

Tina

[JamieWG]

Tina, this is a fabulous perspective on the castle and surrounding scenery. What a great reference to work from. You're gonna have fun. I know I'll be tuning in for vicarious enjoyment!

Jamie

[Ginette]

That's going to be a great and HUGE project.
Schloss Neuschwanstein.
I shall follow this :)

Ginette

[BevL]

Oh my goodness! Next time I whine about struggling with a painting, I give you permission to slap me. Then point me to this wip.
I cant imagine doing something so ... so ... there's just so much there Tina! What were you thinking! ;)

I'm kidding you.. although it sure is one heck of a project to embark on. I'm sure you'll do wonderfully, and I'll be watching every step of the way. Good luck! :)

Bev

[guillot]

LOL Bev, I'll probably end up slapping myself over this one! This will be the second time I've done this castle. Just a different perspective (more straight on......doesn't give much appreciation to the depth of the castle........but I'm not COMPLAINING) It's actually less castle on this one. :D And "What was I thinking?" I asked myself that question many, many times on the first one. LOL

Thanks Jamie for your input.

Hi Ginette, glad to have you along!! See, you know this castle? That's good! Such a beauty it is.

I really like this reference shot better than my first. You can see the reflections of green (some a bit mossy) and some yellows on the castle, reflections in the water, I think gives more appreciation to the task at hand.

The client wants a certain degree of realism..........yak....the detail all over again.

Well thanks guys. Will begin the real work soon enough.

Tina

[BevL]

Tina

I just went and had a look at your other castle painting, and now I'm not worried about you. You did a really terrific job, so you'll no doubt do as well if not better second time around.

I'm just glad its you and not me. lol

I fight with simple sea-foam and she paints 10,000 windows! ;)

[Lulu]

Originally posted by BevL

I fight with simple sea-foam and she paints 10,000 windows! ;)

LOL!

Oh my, Tina, I am gob-smacked at even the thought of doing this! Will watch with interest:)

[Zarathustra]

You like a challenge don't you Tina!!
This is going to be fun! Be sure to share your WIP. ;)
I have to say I'm not that keen on the colours in the photograph; for starters the blue water looks a little too artificial... I'm sure your treatment of it will do it justice though. :)

Looking forward to following this one.

[She-She]

Can I come in here to take a peek every now & then? :D I seen the word "castle" & had to come look.
I'm not an oil painter, but I pop in just to have a look every so often. I want to see how this one turns out becuz I love castles. I had a look at the other verson of this one, & my mouth dropped to the floor. STUNNING work Tina!!!
This piece is so big. I would love to see how this turns out.
Where is this castle located...Germany?

[Linoxyn]

Tina, brave challenge you have here!

I hope you don't mind me offering a small compositional change to this piece, I'm hoping you don't have your sketch too committed at this stage... the weight of your composition is very heavy to the left and although colour, other shapes, and tonal values can all play a part in bringing some balance back in - the main focus of the image has to be considered first. Here is a quick edit, hope it helps.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Apr-2003/1985-edited.jpg

[loop]

W@W that is quite the undertaking I would be imtimidated by a canvas that size, let alone your subject !! how long do you think this will take you to complete ??

[guillot]

Hi Everone!

Linoxyn - Yes, I agree with you whole heartedly! However many times I suggested the same, the person buying this piece wants the Castle of Hohenschwangau (the small one on the right) in there too. This one [Hohenschwangau) was rebuilt from 1832-1838 by Crown Prince Max of Bavaria, the father of Ludwig II (who built Neuchwanstein), who later became King Maximilian II of Bavaria. If I move the castle that way, it ommits the smaller castle. And the smaller castle at least gives an idea of just how large this castle really is. I hope I can pull off the balancing act. I have definitely considered this as well, and voiced my opinions too, but she still wants it like this. She's paying, so I guess I have to give in a bit on that one. But thanks for the suggestion anyhoo :D She's looked at the sketch and approved it so far.

Loop, hopefully not long, but have left myself a 6 month window open on it. Shouldn't take that long though. I HOPE!

Zarathustra - Hi!! Yes I do love a good challenge. I agree with you on the water, eventhough it is a beautiful blue, most likely from the smow melt from the mountains. Too, the mountains in the background are snowcapped, which may be making it appear bluer than true, reflections from the sky on the white capped mountains to the water. Will see if I can give it some kind of justice though.

Bev - :D I hope there's not 10,000 windows!! Actually, the first time I painted this, I thought those were windows, but they are open hallways in the castle, and those are columns. Some windows, many columns. Painting the negative shapes is easier than concentrating on the columns themselves. You'll get that seafoam, LOL I know you will.

She-She - come and take a looksee anytime you wish! Yes, this castle is nestled in the beautiful mountains of Bavaria. The castle remains unfinished, as the king died before it's completion in a scandelous way and at a young age. The throne room still does not have it's throne. The inside is remarkably furnished, with wonderful murals, blue marble columns, gold leaf EVERYWHERE, just immaculate.

LuLu and Loop - Thanks for looking in! It is a very intimidating thing, that's for sure. If I had not done the other, well I would've probably said NO on this one :D But hopefully my confidence will prevail.

I'm at home sick today. My WHOLE BODY hurts. Have a fever of 102, and well, I just feel like SH*$ So, I managed to get the girls off to school, call the boss, and I believe I'm going back to bed for a while ;)

Thanks for the comments, suggestions, and encouragement guys!!

Regards,
Tina

[Zarathustra]

It's not great, and possibly a little garish, but I don't know if this is a little better?...

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/23-Apr-2003/9583-photoref-castle-tina.jpg

[bnoonan]

Tina,

I'll be praying for your good health coming back soon so you are strong enough to tackle this huge project. You sound jazzed about it though and that initial sketch may be why. I'll be watching the progression. congratulations on this size of a commission. And remember - have fun!!! It's why we paint!

Barb

[artbabe21]

can't wait to watch this beauty unfold...Tina, you tackle such wonderful subjects & do such an incredible job!

Sure do like this perspective of the castle...:)

[guillot]

Hiya Z - She's already approved the sketch she wanted. I like that though! I was hoping to get loose with this one as well, but she wants all those details!

Bnoonan (Barb) - thanks. My head is still splitting! Managed to get control of the fever, but man my head is killing me. Thanks for the prayers! And thanks for your interest in this as well.

Cathleen- thanks girlie, that's so nice of you! I'm hoping, since this is a second go-around with this particular castle, that this one will be better. I sure hope so anyway. I still have SO MUCH to learn !!

I'm looking forward to the painting. Should be loads of paint, and loads of fun.

Thanks everyone,
Tina

[nam26b]

Goodness Tina, that's going to be quite a project. I'll enjoy reading about it as you go. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Nathan

[elizabeth ours]

tina,

your sketch is beautiful. what fun, so many brilliant colors. i'm sure you will do wonderfully . look forward to up -dates.

hope you are feeling better, not the flu, huh? i had it 6 years ago, and thought i was going to die. (but i still won't get the flu shots - scared of them)

liz:clap:

[guillot]

Hi Nathan, thanks for the wishes. I didn't think I was going to make it through the workday! Fever's gone, but man I feel like poo-poo.

Hi Elizabeth, and thanks for the comments. I don't do the flu shots either :( But whatever it is, it's going around. 3 other people in the office have had it, or do have it. Feeling a little bit better.

Hopefully, I will have an update to post soon! Going to do a bit of work on it tonight.

Ciao

[Tamana]

I love castles. I visited them when I lived in England. Claim your healing. :) Satan has no authority over you. ;)

Shalom,

Tam :)

[guillot]

Thanks Tamana. I had the opportunity while living in Germany to visit quite a few. Just a lovely place!!

Well, I've worked in the sky, and now I'm working on the mountains. This picture came out a bit dark, but you get the general idea. This is not black, but a deep green/black, all done with knife so far, and trying to get a general feel for the direction of the mountains. Still have highlights to put in, shading, etc. But, I'm so excited about getting started that I wanted to share this with you so far. Still have to go back and warm up some of the snow......put some distance in there........will do that later.

Thanks guys,
Tina

Wow, this really came out dark. My apologies........it's night, reflections from the camera........Yak......you know the deal. Will see if I can get a better pic in good light a bit further down the road.

[Zarathustra]

Tam, we don't have anything like the castles over in Germany! :D

Tina, this is really coming along nicely!! Soon you'll have to think about painting all those little windows and pieces of brick work! :evil:

[Teddy Bear]

Hi Tina. I like castles too, and wow that one is stupendous, looking forward to seeing it evolve.

Lee

[Tamana]

This is wonderful to watch becoming!!! Hey zara!! Anymore political paintings?! lol

Shalom,

Tam :)

[Zarathustra]

No more political paintings Tam, just plain old landscapes/portraits from now on. :)

[DanaT]

Wow, Tina, I step away for a couple of days and look what you start. LOL I'll be subscribing to this thread!

Seriously though, hope you're feeling better. I won't repeat that this is a massive undertaking (I think I just did!)

One item of interest I will pass along though was a story from an artist who does a lot of commissions. Her clients would ask for all these details in the paintings but still she started loose and gradually tightened up with the details because that's her process whether the end product is loose or detailed.

The thing I remember most about what she said though was that she always let the clients see her work in progress and the clients without fail would get into the process of seeing the painting emerge and end up being satisfied with a lot less of the detail than this artist had assumed they would in the initial conversations.

I don't know whether you can use this info but I thought it was interesting.

[andyvry]

Hi Tina, I shall be following this with a great deal of interest.

Having seen castles like this myself on my travels, what struck me about them was their 'fairytale' appearance AND setting and seeing them in the pure mountain air........well it just further removes them from reality. I mean, the colors seem so pure up there, and when you see them from a distance and at the right time of year, it's just like a Disney scene. HA !

Wishing you well, and hope you are back firing on all cylinders shortly and that you'll continue to enjoy doing this. :D

andy

[guillot]

Hi Dana! She'll be checking in with me every weekend. Her tastes in art are clearly set in classic realism, and doesn't care for expressionistic/impressionistic work unfortunately. She has her mind set, and frankly, I don't want to waste any paint. But I agree that maybe that would work with someone else! :D Thanks for checking in! Good to see you.

Hi Z, gee, I know........the tiny brush, with the sparse hairs! It's ok though, I'm looking forward to it. No more political cariacatures? AW.......! I really enjoyed that. :D

Thanks Tamana and TeddyBear! I hope it's worth watching, LOL.

Hi Andy!!!! Thanks for lookin in! Gee, I know. Everytime I visited a castle in Germany, I felt as if I were stepping into a fairy tale. Funny you mention Disney......he modeled Cinderella's castle (Disneyworld Florida) after this particular castle. It's where he got his inspiration. I'm not firing all cylinders yet, but I'm just about there! Feeling much better. And, it's the weekend! YAY!!

Well, off to work on those mountains some more. Thanks guys.

Tina

[Luis Guerreiro]

This castle needs a Princess: YOU!

Paint along, it will be difficult, but worth every effort.

I'll watch this regularly, promise.

Luis

[BevL]

Tina, I'm so excited to see you've started painting this! And I'm glad you're feeling better. :)

I'm watching anxiously to see every step of this process.

Bev

[guillot]

Aw......Luis! :o You are such a sweetheart!! :D Glad you will be checking in on me. Your expert advice has helped me to grow many times!!

Hi Bev! Thank you. I'm glad I'm feeling better too. Still feel low on energy, but good enough to go.

Well, here's an update. Sorry I paint into the night, so sometimes the quality of the pic stinks. This one has a bit of flash reflections on the wet paint. But, At this point, a little more tweaking in the mountains needs to be done, and then it needs to thoroughly dry. Then I will scumble in that wonderful mist mixture (Flake White, slight bit of Ultramarine blue, thinned) and wipe it in and off to give distance and to push these mountains back into the background where they belong. Then I'll go back and scumble back in some of the brightest brights, whites, yellows and blues. Don't know if the coloring so far is going to show up well here. But anyway, this so far is what I have done tonight. I'm getting up with the chickens with hopefully a bit more energy! Fridays always kill me anyway.......I get so tired by then.........must be old age.........ewwww

Thanks guys,
Tina

[artbabe21]

Tina, lookin' GOOD!........this IS exciting!! :D :D :D

Hey Luis, you've been missed here!! Hope you are well.

[guillot]

Well, maybe this is a better shot. I'm having a hard time getting the color to come through on camera! It's quite odd. Anyway, I think this one is close. Just a small section.

Thanks Cathleen!!!!!!!

Tina

[Zarathustra]

:clap: Excellent work. I can tell you're enjoying this one Tina! However, I think the nightmare's just around the corner now! I wouldn't want to be the one who had to paint that castle! :D

What colour did you use for the sky?

[guillot]

Hi Z, Thanks! Yes, the nightmare is just around the corner! For the sky, I used Ultramarine Blue and flake white. A little cobalt violet. Not sure if I'm quite complete with the sky yet! Still a bit too blue for my liking. Will probably revisit that area when the mountains are dry and I put the mist on. There are some subtle clouds there, but not coming through on the pic very well.

Do you think it's yet still too blue?

Tina

[DanaT]

Those mountains are starting to look good, Tina!

I think when you put the castle in, the sky won't look so blue.

[guillot]

Thanks Dana!! That's what I was thinking too about the sky, plus the mist over the background mountains will change it a bit too. OK, so we'll see later how that will change things. :cool: One fun thing about oil painting..........those moments of discovery.

Tina

[Zarathustra]

I certainly don't think it's too blue Tina, skies can be more intense than that.
I use ultramarine (mixed with titanium - don't seem to have flake white over here - does it contain lead?) too, sometimes moving toward cerulean towards the horizon. Occasionally I neutralise with a hint of cadmium orange or paynes grey. However when I look at the actually sky, then look at my painting, I can see that whilst it's a good looking colour in paintings, it's not quite accurate in terms of reproduction, so now I've got to work out how to get the perfect bright blue sky colours!

[Zarathustra]

[Just erasing this following message... somehow my previous one got duplicated twice by a browser that wasn't refreshing properly.]

[guillot]

Originally posted by Zarathustra
However when I look at the actually sky, then look at my painting, I can see that whilst it's a good looking colour in paintings, it's not quite accurate in terms of reproduction, so now I've got to work out how to get the perfect bright blue sky colours!

I do that too! Here, I want a clear day, with a bright sun. Still have to work on keying up the brights in the mountains. No biggie. Thanks for the answer!!

Tina

[nam26b]

Those mountains look darn good Tina. Your arms sore yet??

Nathan

[Geoff]

Originally posted by guillot
........must be old age.........ewwww
Tina

You Tina - never.....

This looks like some big undertaking lass, I shall definitely look in and keep a check on the progress. I'm sure you'll enjoy every stroke of the brush, as like magic the masterpiece appears before you. LOL.

[guillot]

Hi Nathan...........no sore arms yet, though I'm sure they will be before much longer, LOL.......(and sore eyes) Thanks for looking in.

Hi Geoff, Thanks for looking in as well. Yes, I will enjoy doing this, or should I say I AM enjoying doing this one so far. Haven't hit the castle yet........we'll see then how much I'm enjoying it, LOL

Haven't taken an update shot for you guys. Computer's been down, finally got it back up. Will hopefully have something to post for you guys this weekend, and thanks for the continued interest.

Tina

[guillot]

Well, finding a little time to get back to it. Just blocking in the dark greens, will start adding the trees when this thin wash dries.

Tina

[guillot]

Well, it's a bit dark on here......

[elizabeth ours]

tina, looking very good. am waiting for more, with bated breath.

tell josh we are all glad he is home safe.

liz:cat:

[DanaT]

Tina,

I love the rich greens in the foreground hills. Are you painting transparent? You mentioned something about thin washes. What's your medium to paint ratio?

[guillot]

Hi liz, and thanks. Will tell him ;)

Hi Dana, I'm working in layers - increasing oil as I go. My ratio is about 70 (oils) to 30 (turps) which to me is thin for the initial wash - maybe not so thin to someone else......don't know. I usually work this way to establish the groundwork first (darkest darks to lightest lights) so if I need to make corrections (color or shapes) I can so easily without creating a huge mess in the long run. Thanks for checking in on me and hope everything is going well with you!!! :D

We took a break to do a little shopping, so I'm just now getting back to it, wash is dry and ready for more.

Tina

[DanaT]

Yes everything's going fine but busy, Tina. Mostly the painting is exercise stuff for class...good learning but not so interesting to post.

Lately for fun, I've gotten back to sketching and I even picked up watercolor for the first time in almost a year.

I'd love to take a combination of sketches and make it into a painting but we'll see.

[guillot]

Hi Dana, It's always good to get back into sketching and stuff. I've just recently learned watercolors! They were more difficult than I thought they would be :D Maybe you can come up with something from all your sketches, you never know! Everything begins with good drawing and sketching skills. I try to sketch something at least once a week to maintain what little skills I do have, LOL Hope all goes well for you.

Well, here's a small update, but an update nonetheless. As you can see, I'm working in areas at a time, trying to get as close to completion in those areas before moving on. Taking my time, yes!! Enjoying every moment so far, and hoping I can bring some life into this. When it's all done, then I will go back and refine areas I think may need refining.

Thanks everyone for the support along the journey!!! My pictures are showing up so much darker than they really are. My apologies.

Tina

[Leopoldo1]

T, wonderful mountains and i mean it, took alot of attention on your part. The jump you took in the lower half to those warm colors is a bit too extreme, a gradual transition might work better.....L

[guillot]

Hi Leopoldo!! Thank you so much for your input, I value it very, very much! I agree.....that's what I couldn't put my finger on! Will go back and cool down those orange-browns and yellows just a bit (I know that statement doesn't sound right - artistically -is it even possible to cool down orange and yellows? LOL ) But I will see if I can gradually work those in instead. Thanks again for your sound advice!!

Tina

[guillot]

Leopoldo - question: Do you think that when I put the mist across the top mountains to create more distance that it will bring those sections together?

Thanks,
Tina

[artbabe21]

Originally posted by Leopoldo
T, wonderful mountains and i mean it, took alot of attention on your part.

OOPS! Is it too late to UP the price??????

((Tina)) such a superb job you are doing on this...:D

[Zarathustra]

I think I want to live in a room at the top of that castle - what a view it must be... Actually, maybe your viewpoint is from another window that looks out over both castle and mountains - that would be the room I want! :)

[guillot]

Cathleen! LOL

Z - check this out: (I would like to live there myself !!!) A painting of King Ludwig looking out from the balcony of the throne room. Not sure who painted it.

Tina

[guillot]

But I would kind of rather at least sleep here, in this bed, just for one night!!

Tina

[DanaT]

But what about the heating? :o :D

[BevL]

Looking great, Tina! I'm so glad the photo opened for me as I really want to keep up with this thread.

It strikes me that what you've shown here is just one.... small... portion... of a very large painting! I think you deserve 5 oil painting merit badges and a medal for this one! :D

Bev

[guillot]

Hi Dana, Well, I guess as long as you have someone to snuggle up to huh? LOL :D There are numerous fireplaces in the castle. I would imagine you would have to keep them burning all the time!!

Bev....thanks for looking. Don't know about all those badges though, LOL Glad it opened for you too!! Thanks for the comments.

Well, here's another update. I've been working on it some. I'm trying to give the trees a "van-goghish" type influence, as she loves Van Gogh. Man, all I can say is it sure is a LOT of tiny little strokes. Don't know if they are showing up real good, but I'm enjoying the process, eventhough it's going to take me forever.

You guys tell me what ya think!! I hope this picture is better, if it's too dark again......I'm so sorry. Have a feeling it may be too light this time ;)

Well, no.......it's still too dark. You really can't see the strokes in the dark areas......sorry guys

Tina

[DanaT]

heeheehee Tina, guess you got your snuggle partner back!

wow! this is looking good! love the orange and green in the trees. but it would drive me crazy to leave the castle till the end. don't you want to just go in there and whip up some bricks? :)

the trees look appropriately van gogh ;) tho i don't understand if your client is into mega realism that she wants van gogh trees.

still a stellar performance, tina!

[guillot]

Hi Dana,

Well, she wanted a "certain degree of realism", she is more into Classic Realism, not "mega realism". But, If you stand away from this, it definitely looks like trees. She's going to come take a peek tomorrow, then I'll know if she's OK with the process or not. I like it so far, I hope she does. If not, well......I guess I'll be doing some wiping :( . One time she wanted for me to do her some Van-Gogh apples......couldn't do it. Not the strokes, but the apple just didn't inspire me enough, LOL She has a huge print of Starry Night on her wall. So, I thought that it still fits into the realism so far as painting every little tree goes in the background, ones in front will come more into view realistically if it works the way I'm planning. Most of the background will have the "misty mixture" applied after it dries anyway.....thicker in the back.......thinner in the foreground, so hopefully it will work. I sure hope so anyway!!!

And yes......nice to have the snuggler home!! Absolutely. Thanks for looking in on me, and for the comments and support. Greatly appreciated, and it keeps me going.

Tina

[artbabe21]

love the fall colors and just a sprinkle is good, not too over powering at all.......you're doin' GREAT gal! This is cookin'....

Yes, can't wait to see your castle come alive!! I am surprised your snuggler lets you out of bed to paint...lol...keep up the GRAND work 'lady of the manor'....:D

[guillot]

Thanks Cathleen (hug back) - Just working on it little by little. I can't wait to get to the castle! Probably when I get done with the right and left of the castle and the water, I will begin there. Need to do that before I tackle the foreground (which I noticed I made reference to :confused:......sorry guys :D ---- typing too fast, not thinking 'bout what I'm really saying) But the foreground will be last.

Thanks for looking Cathleen, and thanks for always supporting me :D

Tina

[Geoff]

Originally posted by guillot
But I would kind of rather at least sleep here, in this bed, just for one night!!

Tina

Sleep in it !! and miss out on all the romance (LOL):cat:

[Lulu]

At last I have been able to get the pics to download for me here.........

Great progress Tina. Really looking forward to updates.
I so admire your talent and patience.

[guillot]

Geoff!! LOL.........I would of course have to have my hubby with me, you know. That would be the perfect 2nd honeymoon :D

LuLu - Thanks girl!! Actually, I've really had to discipline myself when it comes to patience! I have a tendency to want to hurry through stuff :( ....sometimes that's good, and sometimes that's bad! Thanks for looking and glad you could finally see the pics.

I do have an update. I apologize for boring everyone with small updates, but there's actually a lot of work here!! I'm excited about it, and I can't help but share it when I get excited! I've laid in the water, reflections, more tree work, etc. The hard part is still yet to come :) But I'm getting closer ;)

Thanks everyone!!

Tina

[guillot]

I see I need to work on those reflections on the right, and straighten some of the trees there. Mountain right behind the mountain has too much of a hard edge. Anyone see anything else?

Tina

[Zarathustra]

This is really shaping up Tina - I see you're leaving yourself the castle to last - what a treat! ;) :D
The only thing that bothers me is the colour of that water - it looks abnormally blue, or a least in comparison to the sky. Maybe a slightly darker shade than the sky would work better? Just a thought.

[DanaT]

Hi Tina. This is really shaping up. We're not bored by your updates at all. In fact I was missing them and hoped you didn't have a relapse of the flu.

How CAN you keep your hands off that castle for so long? I admire your discipline.

The only nit I have is what Z already pointed out. At first, I was thinking that, like with the sky, the castle will make the water seem less blue but I don't think the castle is going to be big and red enough to do that. On second look, it might be.

You can always wait till you finish the castle though to decide.

Give us castle addicts our regular updates and we'll be happy. :D

[guillot]

Hi Z and Dana, I think you are both right on the water. I felt it was too light last night when I posted it. Does need some deeper blues (and greens),

;) not a problem !! :) And thanks for that input!!

No Dana, no more flu :) .........just taking my time, trying to find time, work is getting on my "nervous" (as my 8 year old says) and everything else :rolleyes: I think it's safe to begin on the castle, and will probably do that this weekend. (begin that is, but most doubtful on a finish this weekend) I want to finish the landscaping on the right, redo the water, fix the reflections and the trees right there on the right....

I think I'll be able to tweak quite a few things when I finally get that castle done..........don't ya think?

I can't wait to get off of work so that I can work some more on it!! Was thinking about maybe doing a series of castles...........now you know I must be crazy, huh? I do love castles though ;)

Anybody with more ideas, suggestions??? Always open to input guys and thanks bunches.

Leopoldo, if you are reading this, I never got an answer. I wanted to know from your suggestion on the adrupt move to warms, if you felt that when I put the (cool) mist over the mountains, and somewhat in that area if you felt it would bring it together?? I'm hoping on it, let me know what you think!!

Tina

[guillot]

Wait Z............are you suggesting lighter, or darker on the water? If I go just a little darker than the sky, then I would have to lighten it up a bit.

What do you guys think?

Tina

[DanaT]

LOL, Tina. I think work is getting on my "nervous" too! Can't wait till my job ends but they keep dragging it out.

I think Z meant to make the water lighter - almost as light as the sky but not quite, ie., "a slightly darker shade than the sky."

Right now, the water is several shades darker than the sky so you'd have to make it lighter to make it just one shade darker than the sky - if that made sense. :D

I'm still thinking you can wait though. If you make the water too light, it'll look like the castle is sitting on ice.

I think you'll be able to judge better when the castle is blocked in.

[Zarathustra]

Tina, yes I was thinking lighter, but please don't let that change your mind, I'm sure you have your own ideas and others may think differently too.

[She-She]

Oh Tina, this is really taking shape. I love the fall colors. I can hardly wait til you start on the castle.
Doing a series of castles sounds like a great plan. I would love to see more.

[guillot]

:D Dana, LOL The things that kids can say that actually make sense !! Well, you're right, if I go too light, it will look like ice, and that has me wondering if I should darken up the sky a bit. Hmmm...maybe will wait until I do get the castle laid in there first. If I remember right, the sky was pointed out earlier in the thread........by our most wonderful Z ........And that may need correcting a bit too. Will see. Thanks for the advice and feedback!!! :D

Z........I see what you are saying my friend ;) It sure doesn't hurt to play around with it...........that's all in the fun of oils :D Thanks for that advice and your eyes :angel:

She-she, thanks for taking a look!! I've thought about a series on castles for quite some time, may put some more serious thought into it. Don't know.......let's see how this one comes out first :D, LOL AFter this one.........who knows........I might pass-out at the sight of another castle, or break out in hives or something like that !! Maybe develop a high-allergic reaction just at the sight of another............who knows!!

Thanks Guys and Gals,
Tina

[Ruth]

Hi Tina,
I just came in on this, and have to say you're brave and patient! It looks good so far, just one little thing that I noticed. There's a mountain peak in the middle that has a face on it, looks like a little old man with a long nose. I'm sorry! I always find faces in my paintings too, and once I've seen it, I can't NOT see it! :(

You're probably going to mist over it anyway! :D

I used this castle as a model for my fairytale mural in a little girl's room. Great castle!

Ruth

[guillot]

LOL......Ruth. Oh me. I didn't see that! I sure see it now though. I'll definitely have to fix that or it will drive me nuts. I am going to mist over it, but I'm afraid that now that I know it's there.....I'll continue to see it, even through the mist :D

Yes, it is a great castle! It's filled with beautiful artwork too. Some really nice murals and paintings, carved furniture, etc. Must have been nice to live in there. I bet it's beautiful on your daughters wall!!

Thanks for the input!! I wouldn't have noticed that.

Tina

[Zarathustra]

Hi Tina, as you've gone to the time and trouble to render this beautiful background that seems that it might rival the castle for the viewer's attention, I thought something like the water colour below might draw the attention back to the little trees, foliage and mountain area, as my eye is sucked in my that vivid blue... Again, it's just a rough suggestion.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/10-May-2003/9583-continuing-5a[1].jpg

[JamieWG]

I'm loving the colors, Tina, and you are getting so great with mountains! 'Agree that the blue is a little saturated and a hair dark, but I *have* seen water like that too! Are you dying to get to the castle?

Jamie

[andyvry]

hiya Tina, this is looking really great. been following the comments made thus far..........think personally that you might find yourself playing around :rolleyes: HA!......I mean working on the finer points of the setting before you even think of starting on the castle. Perhaps when you get some of that in.....all of of it even, you'll still have to tweak away at the mountains and what have you, altering values and so forth. Maybe getting it near to something like will be enough for now. As Dana said, once the castle is there, you'll be able to judge with more confidence. And I believe that as well, besides it being easier, I would have thought. Should take away the uncertainty and frustration of guessing what's going to look right, at least.

Keep on posting......it's fascinating watching the painting develop and I'm glad that you're sharing the progress with us. Thanks. :)

andy.

[guillot]

Hi Z...........yep........I think you've got it there! It's still wet, so I can work in some lighter values today! Thanks for taking the time to help me out ;) I really appreciate it.

Hi Jamie, Thanks for looking in on me :) Yes........I'm going to work on the castle today. Thanks for the reply.

Hello Andy.....glad you came in and gave your advice. That's what my plan was from the get-go.......get everything as close as possible, then go back and tweak here and there.....whatever may need it. I'm going to work on the castle today, get the rest of the painting done, and then come back and tweak values, etc. Thanks for the encouragement :)

I really appreciate your feedback guys!! It always helps me to see things from a different perspective.

:angel:

Tina

[rgterry]

I'm posting so I can keep up with this thread better. I've been watching it from the beginning. Beautiful work so far. Tho, I think Zar is right about the background competing with the castle. We'll wait and see.

Rick

[artbabe21]

lookin' good.....you'll figure the water out when you work it all up, everything is relative to each other...:)

[guillot]

Well, I don't think the castle could ever compete with anything, LOL. It's too beautiful!! We'll see when we get to that stage.

((Cathleen)) hiya girl!! Good to see you back, and hope you had a wonderful time. Yep, main tweaking will come when all is in there. Little adjustments here and there.

But I did work some magic on it this evening :) I love that misty stuff ;)

Will post an update tomorrow afternoon, still have much work I want to do before I post another pic.

Thanks guys for the continued support, advice, and eyes, of course....Your help really gets my attention.

Tina

[BevL]

This is looking so great, Tina! I cant wait for more!

Bev :)

[guillot]

......Thank you Bev!!

I've done some more work on it today. I figure I had better take a good picture of it before it starts getting dark around here. I'm so bad about waiting untiil it's too late.

So, this is going to be the last update for a while. I don't want to overload the thread on pics, saving more closer to the end. Would like to know what you guys think of it so far. I took this pic outside, so hopefully, it will be truer to the color and values. I hope so anyway (they always come out darker when I post them here for some reason).

I've started on the castle.............here we go again :cool:

Thanks guys and ladies,
Tina

Well........$#&*..........it still came out too dark here. That's really aggravating ;) Well, as you can see, I put the mist in......mixture of Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium white.....to mayo consistency.....glazed on with Galkyd. The little castle doesn't stick out as much as it looks like it does here....... well, still.........let me know what ye think.

Thanks

[artbabe21]

this is coming along beautifully Tina...the mist is perfect, oh, those fall colors...proud of you girl....excellent work!! I wouldn't worry about the little castle or how it's gonna look, you have to get the big one in to know how it all relates...:) :D ;)

[DanaT]

Wow Tina, your mist looks great! How do you get mayonnaise consistency to go on so smooth and transparent? When my paint's that thick, it goes on like icing on a cake, opaque with waves.

Also I'm curious about the greyish shape in the lower left. Is that an unfinished wall of the castle?

You go girl! :clap:

[nam26b]

Coming along really well Tina. It'll be a cool piece.

Nathan

[guillot]

Hi Cathleen! So good to have ya back. You're right, I'm not going to worry about that just yet (with the little castle), when everything is down, and there isn't anymore white canvas left, or toned canvas left, then I'll worry about fixing the little things. I already see things here and there, small things, that I want to tweak at the end......I'll just add that to the list, if it will need any fixing at all. It really doesn't stand out that bright on the painting.

Hi Dana......yep, about like mayo. And yes, it did go on kind of thick, scared the crap out of me :D But the trick is, you have to rub it back out, then it leaves just enough to give the impression of mist. Then you can apply a little more in areas, and wipe again, and it will thicken the mist in that particular area. That's why I waited until that portion was completely dry before doing that because you have to rub it good and firmly because of the titanium white. The mixture itself is a real light pale blue. The green-grayish area (on the left of the castle) is just a toned portion, it will have bigger brighter trees in that area. I like toning dark first when putting in bright trees. Helps to make the colors pop (errr....well at least I think so anyway, LOL) I'm slowly, but surely working my way down the canvas.

Hi Nathan!! Thanks for the comments and stopping in to look. I hope it comes out good! It sure is a lot of work, for sure.

Tina

[BevL]

Oh gosh Tina! That last pic made me gasp! You've done so much and its just great!

You're making this look too easy, but I know it isnt. Great work!!

Bev

[Wayne Gaudon]

been keeping an eye on this from the start .. looking good .. sure one heck of a lot of work :D

[CoolArtiste]

That painting is sweeeeet! Looks just like something out of a Disney movie. I think big, difficult projects are good. They expand your skills. I think your customer will be happy.

[JamieWG]

Hi Tina! I think the water looks better, and I like what you've done with the mist. Cath is so right that once your colors are all in, you will get a better feel for the color harmony of the piece as a whole, and what does/does not work within that framework.

Jamie

[Zarathustra]

I like your mist effect Tina, it certainly pushes the background further back, and the water looks better too. :)
I was going to say the little castle jumps out a mile, but if it's not like that on the actual canvas, then I'm sure it's not an issue.

Now the fun part begins? :evil:

[Olan]

Hi Tina, I've been peeking in from the start. Just wanted to say I can smell the mountain air. Keep up the good work.

[nougat]

this is a fab painting. I wouldn't dream of taking on a project like that!!
Well done - I'm looking forward to more!!

n

[guillot]

Wow, thanks all of you, very much!!

Bev, I'm thinking it is probably real easy for some folks, but I'm just taking my time, thinking about where I'm laying what. The Castle takes a lot of concentration.

Most of these strokes are "place them and leave them" strokes. I haven' had to wipe out not one section so far.

Hi Wayne!! An Honor as always to have your opinion. I bet you coulda whipped this one out real quick, LOL You know me, I'm a slow painter most of the time. Thanks for the comments.

Hi Coolartiste, I think large works do help to expand yourself. You sure have a lot more blank canvas to think about!! Thanks for taking a look.

Hi Jamie, yeah, What's strange is that here at work, it looks right on this monitor, so hopefully it looks right on most of your screens :) Thanks for the comments.

Hi Z, Thanks for the comments, and for helping along my journey ;) You know, on this monitor, the colors look right, but I'm definitely going to have to put a glaze over the little castle, it's about to hit me in the eye here. Stands out way too much. Hmmm...what color will I use for that? Maybe umber? Just something to knock the vibrancy out of the colors. Thanks for the comments!!

Olan and Nougat...........thank you so much for the comments!! Glad to have both of your opinions, as opinions help me learn!! Thanks for the encouragement.

Tina

[DanaT]

Thanks for the explanation on making the mist, Tina. Now I get it, you wait till the painting is dry; I've never tried that! I'm still working alla prima. :D

The castle is going to be great!

[artbabe21]

Originally posted by guillot
But the trick is, you have to rub it back out, then it leaves just enough to give the impression of mist. Then you can apply a little more in areas, and wipe again, and it will thicken the mist in that particular area. That's why I waited until that portion was completely dry before doing that because you have to rub it good and firmly because of the titanium white. The mixture itself is a real light pale blue.

Tina's magic mist! This sounds very tricky and to get the magical result you do seems a miracle...good going!! Now the fun begins!

CoolArtiste, yes, just like at Disneyland not movie, as they used this castle for the castle model (smaller of course) in Fantasyland.

[loop]

WOW !!! that's about all I can come up with this is turning out excellent..whatta lot of work...but WELL worth it

[Geoff]

Glad to see that last shot with the mist in, I was a little disturbed about the background valley seeming to be a little too detailed.

I can't wait to see the castle build itself (LOL), looking forward to see how you are going to succeed in making it dominate over that very detailed mountain and valley.

If you want to do a series on castles, choose one of the Scottish ones - there's less detail and fiddles. LOL.

Brilliant painting and a wonderfully warm thread of comments.

:clap:

Awesome ( again ).

[guillot]

((Cathleen)) Magic? hee.......... It was actually pretty d*&$ scary!! The mixture will completely "white" everything out.....just like painting over everything that you've worked so hard on. SO it takes a bit of confidence to do that, that's for sure.

loop ! Thank You. Thanks so much for the encouragement.

Hi Geoff!! I knew that it would be a bit disturbing to most until I got the mist laid in. It served two purposes: Distance.........and toning down all those details. I do hope that the castle in the end will prevail :D I'm banking on it anyway. I would love to do some Scottish castles and some old English castles and get away from all the "frilly" ones. I tell ya, everyone is just so fantastic here at Wetcanvas, including of course you! I can't thank everyone here enough for the warm comments, compliments, encouragement and suggestions. It's just overwhelming, and that is what makes this website so wonderful. That kind of encouragement alone can move mountains !!

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement and interest. Should be able to post an update middle of next week hopefully. (got to get the camera software installed again ......... and waiting on an upgrade and more memory cards before I do that)

You guys ROCK !!!!!!!!!!

Tina

[DanaT]

Originally posted by Geoff

If you want to do a series on castles, choose one of the Scottish ones - there's less detail and fiddles. LOL.


:D geoff. You're right, the Scots are so much more practical (my English-descended Mom says cheap).

Relatives of mine keep trying to get me to visit them in the Highlands when I go to Europe but I chicken out cause it looks too cold. :p

The countryside up there looks beautiful though.

[Geoff]

Originally posted by DanaT


:D geoff. You're right, the Scots are so much more practical (my English-descended Mom says cheap).
Aye, but some would say it gets even worse to have a Yorkshire man in Scotland LOL .



Relatives of mine keep trying to get me to visit them in the Highlands when I go to Europe but I chicken out cause it looks too cold. :p
It's not cold today, lovely and warm, though some of the showers are on the heavy side.

The countryside up there looks beautiful though.
as with everywhere, some places are better than others. Aberdeen and west are picturesque, many parts around the coast, but it gets better into the highlands themselves and especially west and northwest of the Great Glen .

[rgterry]

Hi Tina.... I'm dying to see this finished. LOL. The mist was done beautifully. Now......get to it!!!!!

You mother's opinion of the scotchs is funny. ROFL.

Rick

[DanaT]

Originally posted by rgterry

You mother's opinion of the scotchs is funny. ROFL.


The scots DRINK scotch. Its pretty powerful stuff but not enough to turn them into a scotch. LOL How'd a yorkie get himself in Scotland, geoff?

This is a running argument between my parents for 40 years. I think it has more to do with the fact that mom's family was well off and dad's mom had to support 4 young children on her own. But he's the one with royal blood and mom is definitely peasant stock. Go figure.

I just know you're making that picture more beautiful, Tina. I can wait a little longer for the updates (not much tho :D )

[Zarathustra]

I spent a week with my great uncle in Glasgow when I was 12 and on my first day there I got told by some strangers to "go home Sassenach". I was also called a foreigner which seemed odd to me at the time.
It was in the rough end of Glasgow anyway, I'm sure it's not representative of the whole country! I remember a drunk staggering out of the pub by the house and falling straight onto his back! :D
Beautiful scenery out in the rural parts.

[guillot]

Dana, if you ever get the change to go to Europe.....GO Although I've never been to Scottland, I would LOVE to go !! I've spent quite a bit of time in Germany, and if it is any inclination of the beauty that awaits an artist, even the non-artist, next time I'm over there I'm visiting everyplace I can !! I'm working the castle in layers, so the first update isn't going to be that great I'm afraid, but I promise I'll get an update up here as soon as my STUFF GETS HERE!! I could go ahead and put it in I guess. I hate it that I lost everything I have done recently :( Including all the pictures here in the thread, but I can re-save them from here, thank goodness.

Rick - I'm going.....I'm going.........LOL I plan on working on it quite a bit today and tomorrow!! I'm getting a bit anxious about it all myself.

Hi Z.........You guys are so fortunate to live on such a lovely continent!! So rich with art and history. AND GOOD BEER !! Can't forget the Beer :D

Tina

[DanaT]

Oh yes Tina I've been to Europe several times :D just never to Scotland. Thats why my relatives are p--d off at me. I spent a year in Cologne Germany working for Bayer AG so I know Germany well. I took several upclose photos of that castle you're painting. It looks really different close up.

Germany and Italy are so beautiful. I like Spain too, my friend is visiting there now. But Spain can get hot in the summer. The cleanest city I've been to is Amsterdam, I was lucky enough to stay in a canal house when I was there. The most interesting cities are London and Paris. The French sure know how to eat. And they don't even get fat! LOL

Well let's hope that both of us can get back to Europe soon. I haven't been to Berlin since the Re-einigung and I'd like to see how it's changed.

[guillot]

Hey Dana, I tried to send you a PM back........You need to clean out your mailbox :D, LOL

Yep, I definitely want to go back sometime, lovely place. Never been to Scotland either, but definitely want to go !!

Tina

[DanaT]

Thanks for telling me tina. I got a lot of pms from the Artists Way group. But you can send me a pm now or if you want, I pmed you my email adress. My email account has a 5000 email count limit so that's not getting full anytime soon. :D

Take care.
Dana

[guillot]

I sent it to your reqular e-mail Dana. I tried to PM you again, after receiving your other PM, but still got the same message. Sometimes you have to go "back to the beginning" and erase all those messages too. It happened to me once :p

OK, after much debate over the computer, and FRIGHT that it would crash on me again, I went ahead and loaded my camera software so I could post an update. I'll just hold off on all the other software I need to upload until the memory and upgrade gets here.

As you can tell, It doesn't look like I've done much, but actually it's taken me a while to get to this point. I toned down the smaller castle, I'm laying in the base color on the castle, and then I'll go back over it with brighter brights, yellows, greens, blues, etc. After everything is laid in and done, I'll go back and refine some edges, colors, etc.

Thanks for all the encouragement and help everyone !!
Tina

[JamieWG]

Doesn't look like you've done much? Are you kidding? I think it's looking super-duper!

Jamie

[Olan]

Wow, Tina the detail on the upper most tower really pushes the back ground back. This is looking good.

[DanaT]

Wow Tina. I love how the castle and background are coming together. The castle has such a soft focus - nice!

[Zarathustra]

Are you still enjoying this one Tina, or are you thinking, oh god, when will it ever end!! :) ;)
Well you're not far away now, and the castle is really starting to "pop" out. As Olan says, it's pushing the background back into its proper position. Looking great.
:clap:

[BevL]

Dontcha love it when you open a post and get that feeling of shock on the impact of seeing the image? This one did that to me.

Tina! IMpressive!! You really are doing it, arent you!! :D

The only other painting that gave me this feeling of height and space is one by Richard Sloan, called "Above the Arubamba".

You've accomplished that here so well!

Truly wonderful job, Tina!

Bev

[guillot]

Originally posted by Zarathustra
Are you still enjoying this one Tina, or are you thinking, oh god, when will it ever end!! :) ;)


:D.......I'm thinking both! Still enjoying it, but will be happy when I have it behind me too.

THanks Jamie, Olan, and Dana !! It still has a loooonnngg way to go, but I'm getting there eventually.

Bev :o You made me blush, LOL

Thanks all of you for your kind words and encouragement!!

Tina

[guillot]

Ok, here's another update..................still working the base colors in the castle.

Tina

[DanaT]

Coming along quite nicely!

[guillot]

Thanks Dana !! I'm down to the two towers in the front, and the entrance! Then, I can step back and see what values I have off, let it dry, and then start putting some color in! Oh..........forgot I still have the regimentals in the front face to do too. NOW......I'm getting excited......... It's coming closer to a finish! I'm at least 3/4 of the way through. Thanks for always looking in on me, and having so much interest in this! Makes me feel good. :)

Tina

[DanaT]

Tina, it feels good to see someone do the work rather than just talk about it, and do it so beautifully. :)

You're gonna have so much fun with the red bricks :D

[guillot]

:o Thank you Dana !! That's twice today I've blushed.

The first time I did this castle, everyone was saying.......well, just stuff about all the greys and whites, and I told them. Just wait until the red front gets put on. It just brings it all together!! It really does. This time though, because of the season, there are a lot more vibrant reflections of green, and yellow, and some reds, and blue from the water that hit the castle sides, it's just going to really pull it all together I think. I hope so anyhoo :D A really great season to paint on this castle I think. I'll have to post another picture that my friend has of it from a side angle in snow! Just gorgeous!! And it's remarkable how the snow changes the values of the castle too. We were debating on which would be the best, I went for all the beautiful spring/fall colors and she agreed.

Tina

[guillot]

Ok,,,,,.............last update for a while. I have refining to do. Now I'm really getting excited. I see the end in the near future. Much more color to add to the castle, etc. :clap:

Tina

[DanaT]

you're right! the red does it. now aren't you having fun? :p

[JustjoGA]

Well, Tina! I got in on this one late, and not being an oil painter, I'm just "gobsmacked" (as one of our WC regulars says). I've sat reading and looking for over an hour watching you breathe life into this magnificent landscape, then the "fairytale" castle to make it complete. I think maybe this is the biggest project I've seen in process.... Well done!

[guillot]

Thanks Dana, YES...........I'm excited now!! Or ....:rolleye: more excited anways. :D

JustJoGa - I remember you looked in on my first one! Yes, this is A LOT larger! And I think a bit more complicated of a composition, but I've enjoyed it so far. I still a long road ahead of me ;) Thanks for looking in on me again!! Gobsmacked..........very southern word..........at least I heard it a million times growing up :D (Memphis)

PS: and oh, before anyone gets wise to ask me, yes ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING !!

Tina

[nougat]

This is great!!
It's exciting just to watch this painting magically appear before my eyes!!!

Doesn't it take ages for each layer of paint to dry??

can't wait to see the finished work!!!

n

:clap:

[guillot]

Thank you nougat!! Yep, it will take a while before this one is complete, but I'm enjoying the process. The background was done in "lay it and leave it" strokes, including the mountain. The only other layer was the mist. But the castle will be done in layers. I may get away with even glazes, but I'm waiting for the base colors to dry before I continue, yes. Thank you for the kind words, your interest in this painting and the encouragement!

Tina

[WFMartin]

Well, Tina, I know I haven't posted on this thread till now, but I have been checking it nearly every day since you started.

This one's a masterpiece, in the truest sense of the word! Your background is the most appropriate I could have ever imagined, and just think, now you get to finish detailing that beautiful castle.

This gets better and better, and I just had to tell you.

Bill:clap:

[Zarathustra]

Thanks for looking in on me again!! Gobsmacked..........very southern word..........at least I heard it a million times growing up (Memphis)

I think it originates from Britain Tina, and is a derivative from the Southern American 'slackjawed'.

[She-She]

This is looking so GRAND!!! :clap:
MAGNIFICENT WORK!!!!!!

[loop]

all I can do is echo the rest....simply stunning !! I bet those people who are getting this will be VERY happy

[DanaT]

Like someone smacked your jaw, Zar? How funny!

BTW hows YOUR portrait coming out, I haven't seen any updates in awhile.

[Zarathustra]

Smacked my jaw? Is that an expression, I don't think I get it!
:confused:

My friend came over a couple of nights ago and loved the portrait - in fact he liked it so much he had to take it away with him to show people even though I'd told him it wasn't finished! Should get it back on Thursday, but I haven't worked on it for some time.

[nam26b]

Looking great Tina. The castle is really starting to become solid, and the mountains are very believable.

Looks like a lot of fun.

Nathan

[rgterry]

Simply Beautiful Tina.

Rick

[guillot]

Bill :o :) Thank you for such kind words!! When I read the word "Masterpiece" chills ran all down me. It makes me happy that you think so of this. wow........

Originally posted by Zarathustra


I think it originates from Britain Tina, and is a derivative from the Southern American 'slackjawed'.

Z - What a funny word! LOL I could see where it would have derived from there. Thanks for that! Glad that your friend is so happy with the portrait!! His "showing it off" will get you more work :D

She-she and Loop- Thanks for coming back to take a look, and for the kind words.

Hi Nathan!! Where ya been? Missed ya 'round here. Thanks for looking in on me. Appreciate the comments.

Rick - thank you :)

Thanks everyone, I'm heartwarmed.

Tina

[DanaT]

Originally posted by Zarathustra
Smacked my jaw? Is that an expression, I don't think I get it!
:confused:


Hmm, not an expression as far as I know, Zar. In the South smack means hit; if someone smacks your jaw, that can knock you out. I was guessing 'knocked me out' (by smacking my jaw) might be an alternative meaning for I'm gobsmacked. :) since you said it came from slackjawed. So either JustGoGa was knocked out or her mouth was left gaping. Either way, Tina, that's a compliment!

BTW Zar, I'm glad your friend likes the portrait so much! I hope you get it back to finish.

[artbabe21]

I've sure missed a lot being gone over 10 days!

This is TRULY IMPRESSIVE ((Tina)) I am SO happy for you and see great confidence & strength in your painting!!

Btw, gobsmacked works for me...:D

[guillot]

Thank you Dana ! I've heard the term before, appreciate the compliment!!

((Cathleen)).......what ya doin girl? Thanks for looking in on this to see where I'm at so far. I've spent a day and 1/2 at this blasted computer again fixing problems :( Hopefully..........pleaseeeeeeeeeeee...........no more problems.........or the computer is going in the STREET! I had a problem with MSN replacing my IP, then I couldn't sign on (through a broadband connection), then I couldn't get it to clear to replace the wrong one with the right one....ARGH........I've ordered an Ethernet card so that doesn't happen again. XP has a mind of it's own I believe :rolleyes: Well........NOW, maybe I can get some painting done.

Haven't done too much more with it folks. Been to busy with this &*$%@# $%@!*(% piece of ^&$%. Can you tell I've had it? I was talking to a radio shack dude about the ethernet cable, finding out how much it was, etc., and he asked "how long": My reply was (and this tells you how frazzeled I really am) : "what do you mean? I'll need it for a while".........LOL My husband said no, dummy...........the length!! :rolleyes:

Later,
Tina

[Lulu]

Tina, this has quite taken my breath away!:clap: :clap: :clap:

[BevL]

Tina, I agree with what Lulu just said.. it does make one gasp! That last image is incredible! You are doing an amazing job with such an overwhelming subject. You should be very proud! :)

Bev

[guillot]

:angel: Thank you Bev and LuLu ! I still have a ways to go on it, but I'm getting there. Thank you for the beautiful compliments. :)

Tina

[Wayne Gaudon]

"how long": My reply was (and this tells you how frazzeled I really am) : "what do you mean? I'll need it for a while".........LOL My husband said no, dummy...........the length!!

that is too funny .. :D .. thanks for the laugh .. laughing with you .. not at you

btw, how long have you been on this one .. seems like a long long time .. would be for me .. I'm much too impatient to work that long on anything. It's looking good and you will get a big sigh of relief when you sing your name and look at your accomplishment as done and not in process.

[guillot]

:evil: It's ok Wayne, I've been laughing at my dumb remark all day. My husband said "As long as I've known you, you are intelligent and brilliant, but that was the dumbest remark you ever made"................he's been laughing at me too.

I've been on this now for a little over a month. I'm not in a hurry. Savoring every stroke. Too, it's taking me a bit longer because I've waited between sittings for areas to dry. All of the trees in the background, valley, etc, are lay it and leave them strokes. So, at points I didn't want to disturb the strokes and had to wait for it to dry to apply more. I've enjoyed that process immensely. I may be taking it a bit slow, but I'm really thinking about everything that I'm doing before I do it, plus having time to paint has not been on my side lately. I wish I could have time like most folks do here, but I don't. I try to make the best of it though when I do have time. Thanks for checking in, and glad my stupid remark brought a smile to your face :D It is quite funny, HA.

Tina

[paintfool]

Tina, i know i haven't been commenting on this but i do peek in and am anxiously awaiting the finale. :) Looking great!!!! I admire your patience.

Cheryl

[guillot]

((Cheryl))....Thank you. I'm getting there, I promise :) I used to not be soooooo patient. I don't know where it came from :D

TY
Tina

[Geoff]

Hi Tina,

Gobsmacked doesn't adequately describe the feeling - dumbstruck would be better.

Your patience transcends patience of us lower beings.

I sincerely hope you will be suitably rewarded at the climax of this enterprise.

Perhaps a week or two in that bed, for you and yours ?? !! (()), together with the suitable in the form or readies. ( hope that last word translates LOL ).

[guillot]

LOL..Geoff. Would love to spend time in the castle like that. There's all sorts of interesting corners and views to paint from within.

I just hope my patience does pay off in the end. It's coming along, and hopefully I'll be finished with it in the next couple of weeks.

Thanks,
Tina

[guillot]

Well, here's an update. I still have a lot of work to do to it. Reflections on the castle, foreground, etc. But just wanted you to know..............I haven't given up yet.

Open to comments and suggestions.

Tina

[DraigAthar]

Tina, Wow! I've been gone from this forum for way too long, I've been missing out on all the good threads ... like THIS ONE! You're doing so well with this one!

Amy

p.s. I've been to that castle! LOL!

[DanaT]

Stupendous, Tina!

[SanDL]

You did well with this.

I've been there. too.

[guillot]

Hiya Amy :) Thanks! I swear, that's a lot of work!! And I still have a bit to go.

Hi Dana, glad you haven't given up on me yet :cool:

Hi SanDL - thank you for the comments.

I'm reallllllllllllly hoping to be done with this by the weekend. We'll see.

Thanks guys,
Tina

[BevL]

Absolutely incredible, Tina!

The colours and depth are just breathtaking! I can only imagine this in person... it must be really something to behold!

Bev

[guillot]

Thank you Bev :angel:

Tina

[beatle_john]

This is a beautifull work You're doing here :)

Regards...

[lotusguy]

Wow! You must be very pleased.

TTFN
Dennis

[guillot]

Thanks for the kind reply Beatle_John :)

Dennis, I'll be pleased when it's completed, LOL I still have a lot of refining to do. Thanks for looking.

Tina

[Teddy Bear]

Wow Tina, it really is looking wonderful. Great great great :D

Happy painting Lee:)

[guillot]

Thank you Lee for the comments. Should be finished soon!!

Tina

[artbabe21]

this is truly looking awesome! Good going girl, the light at the end is coming....won't be long now...:D

[Zarathustra]

This is coming along so well Tina - how are you going to celebrate its completion?

[guillot]

Thanks Cathleen and Z (Where ya been man?)

I don't quite know how I will celebrate.

Thanks,
Tina

[artbabe21]

Originally posted by guillot
I don't quite know how I will celebrate.


Maybe by treating yourself to something fun with your big fat check? :D

[JamieWG]

Originally posted by artbabe21


Maybe by treating yourself to something fun with your big fat check? :D

LOL, yes, Cath, I like your idea for Tina! I have visions of new canvases and paints and brushes....all kinds of fun toys!

Jamie

[guillot]

Jamie :D............you are reading my mind, LOL

Most definitely...............more art stuff :clap:

Tina

[andyvry]

Hi Tina.......Just having a looksee. Thought I ought to say something instead of just lurking............ :o Your painting is looking fantastic at the stage it's at.

An epic piece of work, for sure. :D

andy.

[guillot]

Thank you Andy :angel:
Tina

[Zarathustra]

Hi Tina, art's been sacrificed to writing music I'm afraid, my time is more limited since work moved to the city.... hopefully I will find more time for it after the summer - haven't touched a pencil or paintbrush for about a month now. :crying:

[guillot]

What an interesting life you live Z. I know the feeling.....missing the brush. Been there before. Hope you find the time to do what your heart desires, whatever that may be :)

Good to see ya again,

Tina

[DanaT]

Originally posted by guillot

I don't quite know how I will celebrate.


:music: A bottle of red, a bottle of white... :music:

LOL

[Chris C.]

I just wanted to push this one to the top of the list, i've been wondering what has been happening with it ....

[guillot]

Hi Chris,

For the past few weeks, I've been on vacation for 10 days, had a friend come back with me to visit for another week (no way to paint while she was here) and a week from hell at work this past week. Plus, I have to work today and tomorrow :(

BUT - right now, I'm working on the Light, reflections, and shadows on the castle. I'm trying to get the castle finished, and then the rest is a breeze!

Thank you for the interest in it's completion :)

Tina

[DanaT]

Originally posted by Chris C.
I just wanted to push this one to the top of the list, i've been wondering what has been happening with it ....

Tina! We're your virtual alarm clock. LOL You can hit the snooze button but we'll be back. :evil: :D :p

[guillot]

LOL :D

Tina

[JustjoGA]

Tina! You have a whole gallery of people out here awaiting the next update (or final) on this lovely castle. Are you going to ease our agony of suspense soon? :)

[guillot]

Hi JustJoGA!! Yes, it will be soon. I've worked on it ever since I got home today, and hopefully, I think I might be able to finish it tonight. :clap:

Tina

[guillot]

OK...........can't decide if I'm happy with the trees in the foreground, but...........I think this is it. I don't know if this is $3000 worth or not! I'm not keen on some of my lines, but I'm tired tonight, and I KNOW that I'm on the final leg on this. Tell me what you guys think !!

Thanks, from me to YOU for all the patience :D

These pics are taken at night, so I'll probably post a daylight shot of the whole painting tomorrow if it comes out bad ;)

Tina

A closeup of the entrance...........

[guillot]

And here's a shot of the whole thing . 2 ft x 3 ft.

Sorry for the crooked shot :(

[DanaT]

Ah Tina. Il finale, Brava! :clap:

I love the detail on the door, its like a added special treat. I bet you're relieved. What are you going to do next? :)

I remember we wondered at one point whether the castle was going to knock back the blue in the water. Now that the painting's complete, I don't think it did-the water still seems a bit too blue. If your client prefers it that way, great. But if you can, you may want to just lessen the intensity of that blue now that you've got the castle in to judge it by.

But that is all I can see. An amazing feat. :clap:

[Julianne]

I only just saw this thread. Thanks for showing these. It's a pleasure to watch the painting emerge. No wonder you feel good about it! Nice.

[Julianne]

The thread also shows how valuable WC is for advice, feedback and just plain sharing!

[guillot]

Hi Dana. I'll take another pic outside this morning. It's hard to get the correct colors/values taking pics at night although I do like the sepia version below :D

Hi Julianne, thanks for looking in on the thread! It's been a journey !!

Tina

[DanaT]

Me too!

Photoshop filter?

[nougat]

Well done Tina!!! It's been a MAGICAL journey for all of us who have been following this thread in AWE!!!

:clap: :clap:


nadine

[guillot]

Hi Dana, It's an option in my Kodak software. I was just playing around with it :rolleyes: But it's neat, huh? Looks Old or something!

Thank you nougat!! It's nice to have so much support from all of you guys!!

Well, here's a better picture taken outside. Shows the colors better, and I got a straighter picture!

Gary's (GL HOFF) words keep echoing in my head on edges. I think there are a few I need to edit. Especially on the right side of the castle.

Thanks everyone!!

Tina

[circular]

Wow

I found the drawing to be impressive. I can only imagine what the painting will turn out to be.
I agree with the other I look forward to checking back and seeing the progress.

Circular

[circular]

The finished product is amazing.

Circular

[JamieWG]

Tina, what a great job! It has been a long haul on this one. Aren't we such an impatient audience? LOL.... Congratulations on this monumental undertaking...and finishing! I can't imagine that your client will be anything less than thrilled. Let us know the reaction! Wish I could see this in person.

Jamie

[HRobinson]

Hey Tina. Remember when it was just a concept? It looks good finished.

(You also did a nice job on those BDU's too!)

-Harry

[andyvry]

Congratulations Tina :cat: ..........The picture looks stunning!!:D

I realise that you will be looking hard at it before handover, but hey! it looks brilliant to me.

Thanks for sharing anyway.......and :clap: :clap: :clap: :D

andy.

[guillot]

Thanks Jamie ! The picture really doesn't do it much justice. There's a lot of work in there. Light coming through windows, a silhouette of a person in a window, and the two walking through the gate. The stone work on the front of the castle doesn't show up well. Much more appreciative in person.

Thank you circular, and welcome to Wetcanvas!!

Harry! :) Thank you

Andyvry - yes.........I'm already seeing some things that I need to tweak, and some values have been brought to my attention as well by a very good friend ! I've already fixed a couple of edges today. Down to the look and tweak stage !! Thanks for the comments.

Tina

[loop]

this turned out great..just like you knew it would...you can't have a 2'X3' detailed painting and only do 1 detail shot...show us some more..it rreally is spetacular..what a project..what's your estimate on time from concept to compleation ??......I can only imagine the size of the wall you would need to hang this on

[KingCrimson]

Hey Tina-Your courage & patience in tackleing a subject like this is inspirational!You must have learned a lot!
I'm sure your next one will feel like cake after this,LOL!Great job!

[Olan]

Congratulations Tina, looking good.
Bet it is more impressive in person as most paintings. What we need is some form of virtual reality here so we could see works in actual size eh.
Good job.

[artmom]

Tina, I have spent the most wonderful hour and a half looking, reading, admiring, being "gobsmacked," stunned, awed--you name it! I'm so happy I wandered over to this forum today!

This is a truly wondrous painting and an excellent WIP. I have never watched one that took so long, because I hang out in the watercolor forum and wc dries so much quicker than oil!! I haven't painted in oils in over 18 years--and never was at this level of expertise--but having used oils makes me appreciate the talent that went into this project!

Please post a pic of you (or some other person) standing next to the painting, so that we can get the full impact of size, etc.

Again, wondrous!! and thank you for sharing.:)

[Termini.]

Tina, this is awesome. I love this type of work. As has been said before, this is inspirational. The mountains, the architecture, the forest. Stunning. Don't get depressed when it is gone!

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
:clap: :clap: :D :clap: :clap:
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Jim T

[artbabe21]

Tina!!!!!! This is WAY fabulous! 'Gobsmacked' for sure.......:D

It's OUTSTANDING work and so glad you've gotten to the finish line....know you have been awfully busy! I also want to know the hours that went into this beauty!!

CELEBRATE! Then take yourself shopping for something special that will always remind you of the magical castle commission.......:D

[guillot]

Wow guys!! Thanks for all the kind comments :)

loop - will take some more detailed shots just for you.........any particular area? :)

Hi KingCrimson. Thanks for the kind words. I don't know if I'll want to do another one of these :evil:

Hi Olan, thank you. Virtual Reality? Sounds nice, if only, eh?

Artmom, thank you very much! I'll get a picture of the painting with the owner when she gets back from her vacation :)

Hi JimT ! Thanks for all the claps :D I'll try not to get too depressed when I have to hand it over.

((Cathleen)) HI! Hope your vacation went well!!

Wow, the hours? hmmm, I would say only about a total of 80 to 85 hours thus far. Last mark on the back (I do this for every 5 hours) counts to 70, and I know I've put at least 10 more hours into it.

AND...........I probably have about 5 more hours of work to do to it. I have a little list of the things that "bother me", and a list of to-do's from some recommendations (thank you Gary) that took someone elses eyes to help me see what I couldn't see myself. So, by the time I do what I feel I need to do I'll probably have a total of 85 hours into it.

Will take a picture of it with the buyer when she returns from vacation so that you can get a good idea of the impact of size.

Thanks everyone so much!!!

Tina

[She-She]

Hi Tina
So glad to see this finished. It only took 3 months in the making!! (so far)
Fabulous job!!! You should be proud. Go treat yourself, you deserve it!!

[loop]

Originally posted by guillot

loop - will take some more detailed shots just for you.........any particular area? :)




awwwwww shucks ;) I would like to see that other "tiny" castle and the tower on the big one...do you have a maiden undressing in one of the windows ?? that would be good:evil: some water...geeze just about anything there is sooo much to look at.
can't wait to see the pic of who is getting it to see some scale...stupendeous

[guillot]

Thank you She-She.

Loop - Right now I think that area of the canvas just really sucks! I've been staring at it for a few days now, making notes along the way of what bothers me, and the smaller castle is on my list (so is the foreground, yes, the whole foreground, some shadows, chroma of some of the reds, some edges, etc.), but I will take a shot of it for you when I'm finished tweaking that particular area. Ah, no naked maidens, sorry :D LOL Buyer should be home mid August sometime and will get a picture around that time frame to post.

Thanks guys :angel:

Tina

[guillot]

These are some things I've noted that need refining:

[javismiles]

wow! fantastic work! ;) compliments, great sense of space, awesome colours, beautiful ;)

[JustjoGA]

:clap: :clap: :clap: Nothing short of spectacular...

[guillot]

Hi Javi!! :) Thank you for the wonderful compliments. Hopefully it will be better after I make a few adjustments!

HI JustjoGA . Thank you for the response too. I'm working on it this afternoon :) The changes I have marked on it you can't read :confused: Don't know what happened there, but I still have a few things to change, redo, refine.

I just can't part with it yet! So it's nice to have some more work to do to it :)

Tina

[lotusguy]

Very, very nice. You and your patron should be pleased as Punch with this.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

TTFN
Dennis

[Termini.]

Tina, I have gone back to look at this numerous times. I keep wondering if you could get a large color copy, or a print made, for yourself to keep.:)

Jim

[guillot]

Thanks Dennis! She's seen a picture of it, and she's happy with that, but she should be back in town soon for the real look. I'm still working on some areas too.

Hey Jim :) As a matter of fact, I was thinking of doing just that, maybe a few prints wouldn't hurt at all, huh? ;) I could take them to the Art Gallery and sell a few maybe.

Well, maybe this one is readable :rolleyes: but it's some of the things I'm working on right now. If it's not readable, well then I just really suck at putting words on a picture of a painting don't I? LOL

[Olan]

Hey Tina, I just noticed it looks like you snuck a dog portrait in here. Subconsciously maybe or are you being sneaky? :D The castle guardian, I like it.

[guillot]

HA, olan! Someone else saw an old man in that same exact spot !! I should fix that too :D Thanks for bringing that up.

:D

Tina

[Matt Sammekull]

I just realized I hadn't commented on this one, and it sure deserves one!!

Great job! I could never do something so detailed and time-taking as this one. I just don't have the patience! So, honors to you.


By the way; this castle reminds me of my little picturesque summer house.;)

//Matt

[Zarathustra]

Many congratulations Tina. It sure would be nice seeing the real thing, but I'm grateful for what WetCanvas can offer.
I know you've spent many a long hour on this; did you ever reach a stage where you thought you might tire?
Persistance is a good quality, maybe I can borrow some of yours? ;)

[guillot]

Matt! Your summer house?? Thanks for the comments, trying to find the time to do some refining. I think I'm finally getting to the point that I'm tired of looking at it :)

Z !!!!!! Where you been friend? Persistance is finally dwindling on this one. So good to see you again, we've missed you !!

Tina

[DLGardner]

Tina, I had no idea you were a master-artist or whatever the feminine of that term may be. Incredible and to think you have been spending so much time on WC helping us all the while. What is this? How many days in the week do you have? Or are your hours longer where you live?

You go girlfriend. More than excellent. I'm hoping I can download your autograph now. :)

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[guillot]

OH........... :o Dear me Diane !! I've been called many things, but never a master-artist! I WISH my hours were more free time, but alas, getting close to the end of the fiscal year and much to do at work! Thank you so much for the kind comments. I'm hoping I can wrap this up this week, as I only have time to paint after work during the week........

well, unless I play hooky :D

Thanks bunches,

Tina

[Zarathustra]

Hi Tina,

I'm still alive and kicking, though I'm about to head off for sunny California for a couple of weeks. Wish me luck on your crazy roads, I've got a lot of driving to do!!
I've just started getting back into art again, though the piece I'm working on now is watercolour. I've not tried that many pieces in watercolour because it is such a difficult medium.

So is your castle going up on display somewhere now it's finished? I can't remember if it was a commissioned piece, though I have a vague recollection that it was.
The big question now is: what are you going to paint next?!! ;)

[guillot]

LOL..........good luck on our "crazy roads", :D California huh? Well I hope you have a blast in sunny california. Yes, this is a commission. It will be hanging in The Art Gallery on Fort Bliss for a month, then it goes to the buyer (a stipulation I placed on the commission). Finally, I'll have some time to do some tweaking in those areas I pointed out earlier this evening. What's next? Hmm, well I still have the borgie to complete, and then it's whatever inspires me ;) I think I'll just cut loose and go crazy ....... no boundaries. Watercolors are difficult, Can be easily misconstrued and I have a recent newfound appreciation for those that can master them. Hope that they come easily to you and I Hope you enjoy your trip in the US !!

Tina

[Geoff]

Hi Tina,

A masterpiece.

Loved the sepia toned shot.

I don't know whether you'd call it a labour of "love", but your patience is tremendous - just like the painting.

Echoing all the other comments here - Well Done.

[guillot]

Thank you Gary :) I believe, my patience has run empty on this one and I'm calling it finished.

Someone wanted some closeups. I don't think the pictures came out very well, but here it goes:

The smaller castle. NOT HAPPY with this portion of the canvas, but alas......

[guillot]

The upper right corner of the canvas. A detail of the path going up through the mountains:

[guillot]

The changes to the foreground made much improvement to the overall painting. Here's a closeup of the wall:

[guillot]

And this is it folks. The final:

Thanks everyone for So much support!! I couldn't have done it without you ;)

Tina

[Tamana]

Beautiful painting and breath-taking view. :)

*bows*

\0/ .o. \0/ .o.

[KingCrimson]

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[guillot]

Thank you Tamana and John. I'm so glad it's OVER WITH :D

Tina

[nam26b]

Congratulations on finishing that monsterous canvas! Looks really good.

Nathan

[nougat]

This is really well done Tina!!! Its been very interesting watching you paint this. You must be exhausted - but it was worth every second cos its's just amazing!!

:clap:

nadine

[David Dowbyhuz]

See what happens when you're not paying attention; me that is.

Tina goes wild with one of the most ambitious and well executed works I've seen in a long time. 16 pages! I must go lay down.

Congratulation, Tina. Wonderful work.

Rgds,
Dave

[artbabe21]

Excellent work and a grand WIP............:D

[guillot]

Thank you Nathan and Nadine for the nice comments. Yep, it's monstrous, and there are many a stroke on that canvas, and what a sigh of relief to be finished with it.

Dave, LOL No need to lay down. Your comments are quite flattering and I'm honored to have your input! Thank you.

((Cathleen)).........AWWWW, thank you. I am exhausted from it, but I am very proud of it.

Not trying to keep bringing this to the top........just wanted to say thanks. You guys are great!!

NOW...............what's next? :evil: I can honestly say that no castles come directly to mind :evil:

Tina

[Olan]

Tina, now you can wipe your forehead and go whew! Looking good. :clap:

[BevL]

My gosh, you really did it! (I knew you could.. I just cant imagine taking on such a huge project!)

Incredible work, Tina!

[She-She]

Outstanding job!!!!! :clap:
Such a beautiful castle!

[chagrin69]

If anyone may be interested, this is Neuschwanstein (New Swan Stone), located in Bavaria, Germany. Have spent many visits to a restaurant on a hill directly across from this. I think you have captured the castle quite well and if you would like, I have pictures from all angles of this castle. Best of luck to you.

[loop]

this took sooo long and came out so well I just had to bring it to the top WOW... over 5100 views

[paintfool]

Please use this link to visit the original, still active thread in the oil forum:
http://204.214.92.109/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102997&highlight=castle