Time before wine (grapes)

[Alan Cross]

Hi everyone here is my latest demo from the beginners class we went a bit overtime with this one....it took just over the 2 and a half hour class...not to bad though and everyone had a lot of fun doing it....its 15" by 22" comments of any kind welcomed!

Alan :)

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/13186-grapes.jpg

[bswilson1147]

Alan, I love the colors and the curls! Glad the students enjoyed this; that's a LOT of work!

[magnuscanis]

Excellent. :clap:

I particularly like the way that dark colours dominate round the outside, with a nice luminous interior. It's almost abstract, in a way.

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by bswilson1147
Alan, I love the colors and the curls! Glad the students enjoyed this; that's a LOT of work!

THanks Betty yes I like to work them hard....they love it also!

Magnus Thanks for looking and commenting....it does have an abstract look...

Alan :)

[pl_kpprt]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/10305-handenklappen.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/10305-handenklappen.gif http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/10305-handenklappen.gif!
Excellent watercolor, I am impressed by the beautiful colors!!
Very nice composition too.

[Gilberte]

Alan, tell me a secret ... WHERE exactly did you start on this painting ? :(

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by Gilberte
Alan, tell me a secret ... WHERE exactly did you start on this painting ? :(

Well Gilberte, lots of it is wet on wet as you can see so thats what I started with....thanks for commenting.

Paula, thanks for looking in and commenting how did you get those different clapping hands??
Alan :)

[Rich Williams]

A good project you set for your class Alan. Make them work and it will pay off for them with dividends.

Rich

[JaneS]

I HAVE to look at this awhile!!!

I made it my background!


---Jane:D

[Alan Cross]

THanks Rich for looking in and commenting..

Jane glad you liked enough to make it your background! Enjoy!

Alan :)

[mpopinz]

This is a beginners class work? The colors are so vibrant, the detail is unbelievable. Great class. How about a demo of some sort? What colors were used? This is excellent!!!!!

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by mpopinz
This is a beginners class work? The colors are so vibrant, the detail is unbelievable. Great class. How about a demo of some sort? What colors were used? This is excellent!!!!!

LOL Iris ok well this was a beginners class but this was my work of couse.....but the class all did very well....the colors were Indian yellow , perm rose, geranium lake bluish ultra blue and hookers green dark glad you liked it and thanks for commenting..

Alan :)

[tigre255]

Good one Alan........I bet your class liked this one for sure.....

[lyn lynch]

Here kind comment from Fookie: Very nice, Alan, love the negative spacing frame.

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Barb and Lynn for your kind comments.

Alan :)

[silysara]

It's like you are lying on your back under the grape vines, looking at the sun from there.... I love the feel. Did you do a wash of the lighter and mask out the leaves and then a darker wash?? Very beautiful!!

Sara

[M.A.]

Simply wonderful! :clap:

[Rose Queen]

I just loooooooooooooove those leaves! Such colors! Those crispy edges! In short, wow!

[karenjh]

Nice painting Alan. I like the highlights on those grapes and the colors you've chosen for the leaves - especially the ones that appear to be in the foreground. This painting has a lot of depth. I would guess your class likes your demos because the get to complete a painting in a class. I can't imagine finishing such a painting with all of it that you have in there in one class. Did your students have as much detail or amount of leaves, grapes, etc.?

[Nitsa]

It's beautiful Alan.....How did you do the lights in this piece, did you mask or scratch?

[pl_kpprt]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/10305-082502hi_prv.gif Alan,

Those different clapping hands are copied from Yahoo messenger
and the others from hotbar.com

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/06-Mar-2003/10305-082502regards_prv.gif

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by silysara
It's like you are lying on your back under the grape vines, looking at the sun from there.... I love the feel. Did you do a wash of the lighter and mask out the leaves and then a darker wash?? Very beautiful!!

Sara

Sara there was no masking on this at all I did the light washes then the darker ones then I pulled the lighter leaves out of that...

Mary-Ann thanks for looking and commenting...

Rose Queen Thanks :)

Karen yes my students really like my classes as they do get to do just the same as me and finsh a painting each class.....theirs were almost as detailed as mine

Nitsa no masking or scratching in this one for a change....just lifting of color....

Oh I see thanks Paula ;)

Alan :)

[Starsprite]

Well...this is fantastic!!! Love all of it!! Did your students draw the painting...and paint it all in one class?? I just can't imagine that happening in the beginner's class I took.... First of all...too much joking and goofing off going on...LOL YOur students must get right down to the nitty gritty. :)

[wilmas]

Hi Alan
I like it ,special the colors
Wilma :clap:

[frieda_maye]

vibrant, sparkling, echanting portal:)

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by Starsprite
Well...this is fantastic!!! Love all of it!! Did your students draw the painting...and paint it all in one class?? I just can't imagine that happening in the beginner's class I took.... First of all...too much joking and goofing off going on...LOL YOur students must get right down to the nitty gritty. :)

Yep all art classes are like that....well at least mine are but most of my classes there is no drawing and this one again there was no drawing we just get right into the painting thats why my students keep signing up for more lessons thanks for commenting...

Frieda and Wilma thanks for looking and commenting..

Alan :)

[Merlot]

Do you give your students the drawing to trace??

I love this picture - it looks as thought the lighter leaves are made of tissue paper. Can't imagine getting all that detail and layered look without getting muddy. I'm too impatient with my paints. Love the colors. Beautiful as always!:D :D :D

[Alan Cross]

Hi Joanne no drawing at no tracing nothing its all done freehand and if you are too impatient this would be perfect for you as it usually takes under 2 hours it took a bit longer as I was also teaching at the same time....thanks for looking and commenting..
Alan :)

[al22]

Hi Alan......nice clean colors and great shapes.......the only thing that bothers me a bit is the very brite color (which is a beautiful color) is smack in the middle of the painting and it's like Medusa....I find it difficult to leave the area........
It's probably good for a class lesson, but I think the composition could be improved........
..........al

[mchew]

Gorgeous colours, Alan.... I bet your students had fun doing this one.

[Alan Cross]

Thanks for commenting Al yes it might be an improvment....I did keep if off center from top to bottem.....

Marvin thanks for looking in....and commenting and yes they did like it very much

Alan :)

[kstubenv]

Wonderful grapes. We are doing the same subject next week in our beginners classes. Hopefully, but doubtful ours will turn out as delightful.

Just wish you had classes in the Chicago area. As I really admire all your work.

Kate

[kstubenv]

Any secrets or references to your lifting tech. I have not learned how to do that yet, but am looking forward to trying.

Regards,

Kate

[Crystal Owl]

This is really cool Alan, how'd you get the effect of the leaves like that?

Irene

[jkook]

Hi Alan, I had to put on my sunglasses , grab a glass of wine and ponder on this one..........and yep I sure do like it !! The colors are brilliant , clean and crisp. Darn , am I going to have to fly all the way up there to get lessons or are you going to come down here where we can play golf between lessons ?

[taghera]

A light from within......excellent Alan....:)

[Kari]

I really like this one, Alan. I do think a WIP is in order. Do it again for us!

[Merlot]

I like Kari's idea but you have to wait till after the 15th cause I'm goin' on vacation!!!!

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by kstubenv
Any secrets or references to your lifting tech. I have not learned how to do that yet, but am looking forward to trying.

Regards,

Kate

Hi Kate I use a sponge for lifting the leaves....good luck in your class

Irene, as I said I lifted the color thanks for looking and commenting....

jkook Golf and a class sounds like fun but you will have to book me into your area.... :D

Hugh thanks for looking and your comments....

Kari and Merlot well I might be talked into it if enough people want to see this done....thanks for looking!!

Alan :)

[kaybob99]

Beautiful colors and a fun painting. Great job! :)

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Sandy for looking and commenting....

Alan :)

[laudesan]

oooooooooooo...............That is just gorgeous.
I surely hope someday I can paint that well. I have no idea how to "do" grapes and make them look "alive".......
Thanks for sharing your painting, again it is just magnificent........
Judy

[painterbear]

Hi Alan,

Lovely painting with the glow coming from behind and lighting the grapes and leaves of many colors.

I understand that you don't do a drawing before painting, but, do you, the teacher, have a design worked out in your mind ahead of time or do you do a wet into wet mix of colors on the paper and let the painting develop by what takes place then?

It would be very interesting to see one of your paintings go from start to finish if you want to take the time to share it with us.

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Judy its all just practice you know....keep at it...

Sylvia well sometimes I draw and sometimes I dont' but I always have the image in my head before I start......yes one day when I have a bit of time I will do a wip for you.

Alan :)

[Annetta]

....ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, Alan!!!! Well, of course we all want a WIP!!!!! Where do we go to vote!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Annetta very sweet of you and I already have your vote as a yes!! LOL
Alan :)

[KathyJB]

WOW! There is nothing I can add this is awesome Alan.
At the risk of being flogged I have a question. When you painted the first leaf freehand did youmake some sort of stencil to get the remaining leaves the same size and shape?Wonderful effect and composition, breathtaking!!!
Kathy

[Faafil]

Originally posted by Annetta
....ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, Alan!!!! Well, of course we all want a WIP!!!!! Where do we go to vote!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Make sure to count my vote too Alan! Love the mingling of colors in this.... :clap: :clap:

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by KathyJB
WOW! There is nothing I can add this is awesome Alan.
At the risk of being flogged I have a question. When you painted the first leaf freehand did youmake some sort of stencil to get the remaining leaves the same size and shape?Wonderful effect and composition, breathtaking!!!
Kathy

LOL no flogging but to answer your question yes I did make a stencil for all the leaves but if you move it around it does not show as much....watch for the wip ok?

Faafil thanks and yes I have added your vote keep watching...

Alan :)

[KathyJB]

Oh whew no flogging, I love the stencil idea as I teach too... I consider myself a student teacher ... kind of a learn as you go class... Thanks for the non flogging.... how kind of you ....cant wait for the WIP.
Kathy

[vestalqueen]

Hi, Alan! The grapes are dandy. I have to go with Al about the central focus thing, but it sure is nice to see your work again! Don't stay gone so long next time!

Erin

[artman42]

Looks Great Alan, Like the Color and the Leaves,

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by KathyJB
Oh whew no flogging, I love the stencil idea as I teach too... I consider myself a student teacher ... kind of a learn as you go class... Thanks for the non flogging.... how kind of you ....cant wait for the WIP.
Kathy

Hmmmm Kathy you seem disapointed.....we could do the flogging if you want ;)

Erin thanks I did post this a while ago someone found it.....I have also posted several in the last little while that are proablly on the fouth or fifth page back as this forum moves so fast....

Alan :)

[Alan Cross]

Originally posted by artman42
Looks Great Alan, Like the Color and the Leaves,

Thanks Jim looks like we crossposted.....thanks for taking the time to comment.
Alan :)

[idcrisis55]

Wonderful, vibrant colors :clap:

Ann

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Ann for taking the time to look and comment, appreciated!
Alan :)

[KathyJB]

flogging nooooooooooooooooooo thats ok I'll pass
am waiting for WIP tho ohh hehe play on words LOL
Kathy

[Alan Cross]

OK keep your eyes open I will try and do it soon I am still getting ready for my next show.....just a few weeks away...
Alan :)

[prairie painter]

Mmmm... reminds me of when I was a kid & would lay under the grape arbor at my Grandparent's house, watching the sunlight in the leaves.
Looking forward to the WIP!

[ptantono]

I love the changes of colors on the leafs. Beginners class ? I wont pass you beginners class Alan, this is too dificult. :D Do you teach a very very beginners class ? :D :D :D

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Mary glad it brought back nice memories for you.....


Originally posted by ptantono
I love the changes of colors on the leafs. Beginners class ? I wont pass you beginners class Alan, this is too dificult. :D Do you teach a very very beginners class ? :D :D :D

Patricia this is really not too difficult and most of my beginners love this one some never want to do anything else but this....
Thanks both of you for your comments.

Alan :)

[Scitzo]

Love to see the WIP, great painting Alan!

Scitzo

[ptantono]

Originally posted by Alan Cross
Thanks Mary glad it brought back nice memories for you.....




Patricia this is really not too difficult and most of my beginners love this one some never want to do anything else but this....
Thanks both of you for your comments.

Alan :) It looks difficult but you made it sound easy. :D It kind of feel that I can look through the leafs, very transperant leafs.

[surreal]

Hey Alan,

This is wonderful.

For me, it has a fantasy/sci-fi look to it, which I like immensely.

:D

[Alan Cross]

Thanks Scitzo glad it does something to you.....


Patricia thanks yes thats the trick to make it look like you can look through it....

Nina thanks for your comments!!

Alan :)