Posted by: KarenWhitworth
on Jan 10, 2011
I was watching some little Red Poles outside on one of our trees and I thought I’d try some new techniques; here is a step by step of the acrylic / water color painting. Here is the finished product:
New Techniques
Here is a method I stumbled onto that (for this painting anyway) has created a wonderful result.
With this painting I wanted a very loose background. Taking my sheet of watercolor paper I used a 1 1/2″ wash brush and wet the entire paper. Now holding it elevated at one end I lightly applied blobs and streaks of color vertically. As gravity pulled the paint downward vague impressions of birch trunks emerged. Before the paper dried I lightly sprinkled it with salt to imply a light snow falling gently to the ground.
With the background done I switch over to acrylic paint. With thin, semi-transparent strokes I begin to block in the birch branches.
Now I mix titanium white and water to apply the snow. It is important to use semi-transparent paint when using this technique because you do not want your different elements to appear pasted onto the transparent background. By implementing these less opaque applications of paint we are helping the painting to become a cohesive unit.
With the addition of the Redpoll the painting is now finished. Watercolor and acrylic on watercolor paper. 11×15
These Common Redpolls frequent our bird feeder on the porch. They remind me of God’s provision. Though they seem so little and insignificant upon first glance, each little bird has his own personality and quirks. He doesn’t worry where or how his next meal will come to be, even in the long cold winter. It is provided.
To see more step-by-step tutorials visit my website here: https://whitworthgallery.org/
This Original, "Eying the Feeder" is Available through Artic Rose Gallery. (907) 279-3911. 420 L St # 201 Anchorage, AK
