Monday, January 2, 2017

Stress Deprivation

This one was completed just at the end of 2016, done from doodles that go back to 2014 when I had attended a scientific meeting of some sort. The theme is hard to describe, it kind of reminds me of an old favorite, "Alien Hand" I did years ago, and also "Woven World". I like the interconnections of it all, with the flowing lines going from horizon to main object. The pointy object that points downwards (mid left) was probably a deliberate choice to create a sense of sadness and anxiety. Sharp objects create angst, and pointing down signifies sadness. The first idea I read from an American book on painting composition, while the second idea was learned from the Chinese art and calligraphy classes I took 20 years ago.

Creating realistic skin tones requires a lot of practice. The best way in watercolour is to start with a blue/purple underwash and overlay with warm peach and reds when dry. Extra shadows and details can be added in successive layers. I used that formula here to make the main object, and the whole world, seem somehow alive.

7 x 10" cold press watercolour. December 2016

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