This painting, done on the slick YUPO surface, includes 'regular' transparent watercolor with fluid acrylics over parts of it, with gouache added in thin layers plus water based inks drawn in last. It's a 'watercolor' technically, but PURISTS wouldn't consider it one. 
Very few watercolor societies limit the definition of 'watercolor' to mean just transparent watercolor (as PURISTS do.) There's certainly validity in having a group or show for only transparent watercolor paintings because the difficulty and challenge of painting with only transparent watercolor is great. It's good to compare apples with apples in a 'watercolor' show occasionally.
The majority of my paintings are only transparent watercolor, yet it is exhilarating to be able to select whatever medium it takes to produce art. Years ago, I let the restrictive interior "WATERCOLOR POLICE" keep me from trying out other water mediums. My goal was to increase my expertise with the transparent stuff, and I (unwisely) shunned all the other possibilities.
For so many watercolor artists, it can be a big deal to take that first step away from using ONLY transparent watercolor. It was a giant step for me several years ago. However, now, whatever it takes, whatever works - that's what art's about for me, and it certainly allows so much more freedom to be able to express and create.
This painting's title came about partially because of my 'fall' from transparent watercolor. It was one of the very first that I'd tried as I used gouache and acrylics and broke away from the limits I'd set on myself. It's several years old, and tomorrow's post will include another oldie from that time, using gouache, too.
"FALLEN ANGELS" Transparent Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylics, Ink on YUPO 13 x 8"
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12 comments:
Beautiful, Sandy. The forms are so graceful and the veils of color are fabulous!
This is a poetic one, Sandy! But what does it matter what you used to create art? Be it transparent watercolor or house paint, it's the artwork that counts.
But that's just me.
I'm sure the Transparent Watercolor Police is on its way with screeching sirens, but worry not - we'll bail you out...
have kinda been in that group since began painting. Part of reason never applied to the NWS or AWS was because tend to put too many different medias into one painting to get the path/effect searching for. Look forward to checking in on your work daily now.
what a wonderful painting! -Its fascinating to read how you used the various water media in this painting. I have used gouache on and off --but its usually to correct a mistake I have made :) . Its indeed a challenge to plan a painting around the 'different' paints as you did. Thanks for sharing!
Very interesting and visually catching painting - love the title, too. I would like to see some "devil may care" red in those trumpets and then you'd really have fallen angels :) I really like this - almost a ghosting effect for the flowers. Will enjoy seeing this one up close next week!
I definitely need to find some time to spend here catching up and appreciating the beautiful pieces...will be back later tonight.
Thank you so much for your comments. Have a good weekend...make some time to paint if oyu can:-)
I am just stunned by the beauty of this Sandy. I really love your work. The color, movement is wonderful. I have also had that feeling, I love watercolors but want to experiment but feel guilty. But I'm taking the step as well just to see.
It’s so nice site. We love to see more on this site. Keep on updating… MonkAreYou Bali *gjhjsak
This is a beautiful painting Sandy! But the really exciting part about it is the variety of watermedia you have used to create it.
You are a such generous and inspirational artist....thank you!
This piece simply dances in my heart! Delightful! :)
Hi Judy, Sandy and Margaret Ann, You're so kind to stop by and leave a comment. I appreciate it very much. Happy painting.
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