Would Love Some Advice On This WIP

[Brelaina]

As you can see it's not finished - but that's cause I got stuck and am too afraid to apply the paintbrush in case I ruin the painting.

Areas where I'm stuck:

--- not sure what kind of sky to do because I don't want it to compete with the rest of the painting and yet I don't want to just do a wash of cobalt etc.

---- I know the middle area of grass/vegetation doesn't have enough ooomph but an not sure of what to do to correct it. Since the greenery in front and behind is already dark I felt it had to stay somewhere in the middle or lighter and it's too late for that.

---- the front area will be cobblestone with shrubbery and some flowers on the left ( the misket is still on the floweres and I've just taken the misket off the small white flowers so will add a bit of contrast to them) What colours or values would you suggest for the cobblestone - also any hints on painting cobblestone?
Any comments and advice will be gratefully appreciated! Bre
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2003/17259-WC_Cottage_Watercolour

[karenjh]

Good start. I don't think I can help much, but I think that painting the sky now is going to be difficult given everything you have to work around. On the roof it looks like you've got a lot of white space. Is that supposed to be shadows from the tree to the left? Perhaps the cobblestone you are going to put in with help with the tones in your painting. IMHO you do need some more darks in this painting. I wish I could help more, but you have a good painting here so far.

[Brelaina]

I think you're right that it will probably make a difference once the cobblestones are in. I 'll have to look at it a bit more and just be brave I guess. Fear can sure paralyze you ! LOL

Thaks again karen !

Bre

[Alan Cross]

Hi Bre not sure I can help you much at this point but for next time do the sky first then add the trees...or at least paint them at the same time.....I like the colors you have picked just need to darken them a bit for some more contrast.
Alan :)

[madmum]

Bre, I think you have a lovely start here.

The sky will be hard to do at this stage, you'll find the majority of watercolourists paint the sky first then work on the rest of the painting. As it looks like a sunny day, a very simple graduated wash of cerulean blue or cobalt blue will be perfect. Turn your painting upside down, wet the sky area carefully, keeping the painted areas dry, then apply the paint allowing it to run down the paper. It should be allowed to dry with the darkest shade of blue furthest from the horizon.

Cobble can be done a few ways. I like using salt to create an interesting texture on stone. I wouldn't add too much detail, just the odd line to show the joints in them.

A few darker areas in the light foliage will help, try to create an interesting pattern to help move the viewers eye through the painting, don't make a dark barrier right across the painting.

I don't know whether any of this will help, you've probably already finished!!! :D

Ruth

[Gia]

nice start......You already had some good advises so I`ll just add something I read somewhere..
...it is a good idea to keep the sky calm if your
landscape has a lot of details....and vice versus....

[Rod]

Its a great scene, progressing well :)

It will be tricky to paint the sky in directly. You could do it wet into wet . Use a soft mop brush and lightly paint the sky area with clear water to wet. Paint around the roof , if you go over part of the foliage it will not matter if done lightly.

Then drop some cobalt into random areas and ket it disperse and give soft edges leaving some white which will give you clouds.

Treat the cobble stones like little square boxes with the edges worn off. Think which direction your light is coming from then paint the shadow side of the cobble stones. Don't paint in every one , just a suggestion would be best.

If you keep the distant colours cool and use strong warm colours in the foreground you should be ok,

Rod

[tigre255]

You have some wonderful advice already, so I just say that it looks like it's going to be a very nice paintings.....can't wait to see it finished......

[ripvanblair]

Good start, and some great advice been given, one thing don't be afraid to put dark against light---------Alan

[magnuscanis]

You're certainly off to a good start there.

I haven't got anything to add regarding the sky that hasn't been said already. For the foliage in the middle ground you could try adding a few dashes of red paint (to simulate flowers?). Being the complement of green, it would stand out and help to lift that area. Of course, it might be a bit overpowering, but it can be quite a useful trick at times.

[laniers]

Lots of good advice. Sorry to add one more thing that would be difficult to change, but the perspective on the chair isn't matching that of the scene. Too much of the seat of the chair is showing.

[Becky-Bob]

I guess I'm seeing this in another prospective that others. What I was thinking was that everything forward of the trees seems to be in shadow, and bringing some indications of light shining through there would really zap this painting. Just my thoughts anyway.

To me it looks like a very bright, bright sunny day. I don't think you'd have to lay in much for the sky.