advice needed with next painting

[ona]

I am just drawing out my next painting and would like your input on which way to go with it. I really like the idea of going monochrome with it and wondered if any of you had tried this before either in black and white or sepia or just one color and really focusing on the light and shade to give the painting the drama and effect. The picture I am drawing is of an old boat high on the shore line with a very dramatic sky behind and the distant shore line in the background. I want to evoke the feeling of the wind in your hair and the smell of the salt air, the freedom but at the same time capture the wildness of the elements. I haven't quite finished drawing the foreground yet but when I do I definitely don't want to do lots of colors but should I go for the grey scale, sepia or another? Which do you think would create the most dramatic look? Sorry about the image. I couldn't get the paper white and retain all the detail in the drawing

[Moufflon1]

Hi Ona

Great drawing.

I see it in shades of grey and indigo, with a touch of Naples Yellow in the sky.

Pam

[KreativeK]

I'd dry looking at those color notes by putting your image in your software program if you have one, then make your decision. Any would look good here. I am partial to sepia.

[lpb]

What you're really doing is an expanded value study, meaning monochrome, but more than the typical 3 values. I've done this a few times with Payne's Grey and really enjoyed the results. You can try a few thumbnails with different pigments and see which you like the best. Sure to be great result, whatever you choose!

[ona]

Thanks Pam, Kay and Lorriane,

I have had an experiment today and like the grey/Lylac with touches of a golden color for the highlights so thanks Pam for the idea. Also experimented with doing some penwork on top which worked really well especially in the clouds so I think I am going to go ahead with this. I've never done a watercolor/pen combination in landscapes before just for animals so it will be an interesting challenge

[Moufflon1]

Hi Ona

Sounds like this is going to be really special. I'm really looking forward to seeing what you come up with - the pen work sounds really brave to me!

(PS - Just looked at your website - awesome work - the pen work will not be a problem for you!)

Best of luck, Pam

[ona]

I have finally finished the sky section. It took me ages to pen in the detail but it was enormous fun following the swirls and flows of the watercolor. A bit more color than I had originally thought of but I'm quite pleased with the effect.



here is a close up of part of the sky

[Jakesgram]

How beautiful! I can't wait to see this one finished!!

Jean

[CharM]

I don't think you need advice from us, Ona... this is going to be stunning... your sky is powerful, indeed... I'm looking forward to your next steps...

[ona]

I managed to finish the painting while the forum was down. I've posted the finished picture in the watercolor plus gallery. It was my first attempt at a watercolor and pen combo in a landscape. It was great fun to do.