watercolour newbie

[Adiecain]

Ey-up chaps and chapesses.. I'm new to this forum and to watercolours in general.. I normally work in pastels.... I've been trying to get to grips with watercolours for ages but just cannot do landscapes.. At all... Not even a little bit!! I was about to give them to my three year old daughter when I thought I'd try a portrait.. Here is the result.. Please tell me what you think of it as I'm still unsure whether she takes up watercolours or not..
It's quarter imperial Bockingford 200lb with windsor and newton artist watercolours.. some highlights using white gouache alone and mixed with quinachridone gold...

[painterbear]

Hi Adiecain,
Welcome to the Watercolor Forum.

Your portrait is lovely, especially since you are using watercolors which aren't your primary medium!

I think your niece's hair and skin are lovely. You could probably darken the area around her face a little more, but overall I think you did great. I really like how you did her nose giving it form without outlining it!

As for painting landscapes, well my hand is raised beside yours saying "Me, too!" I do like to paint architectural subjects though, so any landscapes I do usually have a building in them.

I hope you'll keep your watercolors and keep practicing with them.

Sylvia

[Paulafv]

Good colors. Welcome to Wet Canvas. You should stay with watercolors. You have a talent here. Be sure to check out the portrait tutorial in the learning zone by Aquarelle10, Jean. It is step by step excellence. I think if you can paint in one medium, you can paint in any. Just takes practice.

Paula

[The Art Corner]

Adiecain, Welcome. I'm also a soft & oil pastelist. I think your painting shows lots of promise in watercolor. Good job on the face especially on the cheeks and nose.

[Adiecain]

Thank you for the welcome.. HUG.. I will continue with the watercolours, so watch out for more posts....

[Doug Gulley]

Very nice job Sylvia has given some very good advise.

Doug

[Adiecain]

Thanks Doug... Only half of my post, posted!!! Grrrrr.. I did report it as an incomplete posting.. I agree Sylvia... I should have darkened the shadow by her face much more than i did... I have learned something new.. We like it when that happens... Especially at my age!!

[bluegenes]

Welcome! This is a wonderful portrait, especially if you are a newbie to the medium!
I agree with Sylvia about darkening up the darks. Great expression on her face!

Patty

[gemineye]

Welcome to the wild & wet world of watercolor! You're off to a great start!
There are loads of tutorials on here that will help you...its the best place on the net to learn.
Keep up the good work...see ya round the forum!

[Adiecain]

Thank you all for a warm welcome everyone.. I have looked at a few tutorials and am just starting a new portrait... Fingers crossed....

[Europa]

First of all welcome to the forum - I too will stand up and say - 'My name is Pat and I can't do landscapes either'

Lovely portrait though - great expression - nothing to add to what Sylvia said - looking forward to seeing more though.

Pat

[Adiecain]

Ey up Pat, Thanks fo't welcome. Blackburn bloke... Now living in Worcester..

[rue d'oak]

Welcome! And your experience with composition in other media really shows through! Great focus in on her lovely face! Looking forward to more of your explorations.
Jen