Sunday, 1 April 2012

A force of Nature!

I was sooooo honoured when the ladies at The Butterfly Effect asked me to be their guest artist for this weeks challenge :D I even got to choose what the challenge would be!!!
Now you all know I'm a bit of a nature nut(just a bit lol), so I couldn't help but go for "A Force of Nature!"

I chose "the Sea"
I have always wanted to have a go at a land/seascape, but have never tried...that's what challenges are all about right? In for a penny....decided to try just using guache paints, which I can only describe as being a cross between oils and watercolours. They are water-soluble, dry about as fast as acrylics, but have that opaque glassiness of oils :S
These are the colours I used for this piece...
burnt umber/ochre yellow/ultramarine/viridian(dark bluey green), and chinese white watercolour to add highlights. The "black" areas are a combination of some of the above :D
to start, very quick sketch. I wanted to keep the work very loose...
some modelling paste to add texture to rocky areas and frothy waves...
...and just started adding very wet layers of colour...
It was a stormy day when I took the photo I was working from(should have included that really)
I used viridian green for the sea, and ultramarine for the cloudy sky...
All in all I am quite pleased with this first attempt :D
Which force of nature will inspire you to try something different, be it a new medium or technique?
One more thing...people keep telling me I should sign my stuff, do you sign on the front or on the back?
Enjoy :D XXX
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15 comments:

  1. Unknown1 April 2012 at 21:20

    Gina, you are SO inspiring me to continue practicing!

    By the way, you've been chosen to receive The Versatile Blogger Award! Participation is not mandatory, but I hope to read some interesting facts about you! See the link here: http://paganbydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/award-for-pagan-by-design.html

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    1. Gina2 April 2012 at 08:31

      Thank you Polly :D Will check out the award :D XXX

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  2. Reba1 April 2012 at 21:54

    It's beautiful, and your first seascape? Wow! I've never attempted to try a seascape, but now I'm tempted to try :)

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    1. Gina2 April 2012 at 08:35

      Thank you Kelly, and please do have a go. The most useful lesson I have learned from the lovely artist folk lately is "if you don't like it you can always paint over it" :D so now I just jump straight in...so liberating :D XXX

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  3. Magic Love Crow1 April 2012 at 22:12

    Gina, beautiful!!! Actually, you have inspired me to try something new! I have started a larger painting and added tissue paper, stickers and fabric, something I never do! Thanks ;o) Have a great day!

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    1. Gina2 April 2012 at 08:33

      I know!! It took me a few attempts to get happy with sticking stuff on to a painting, but it ia great fun having all those little bits poking through. I think of them as hidden treasures :D XXX

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  4. Barbara1 April 2012 at 22:51

    Gina, this is awesome! Can't believe this is your first attempt at a seascape. You certainly have found your medium. Let me know when you will have your showing of all your art work. At least take pictures to show all of us. Just beautiful. You are so talented. Hugs

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    1. Gina2 April 2012 at 08:30

      Aaaaw Barbara, such a lovely thing to say :D XXX

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  5. Šolanje na domu-Waldorf2 April 2012 at 09:10

    I really love this painting, Gina! Those shadows make it extra special. Thanks for adding my blinky to your blog. .)

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  6. Fallingladies2 April 2012 at 11:55

    Great job, looks like you've been doing landscapes for years

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  7. denthe2 April 2012 at 14:20

    This looks wonderful! Hard to believe it's your first attempt at a landscape!

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  8. Leovi2 April 2012 at 15:06

    I like that delicious sea, is like a beautiful dream of spring. Greetings

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  9. Silvia(Barnie)2 April 2012 at 22:12

    Fantastic :)

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  10. Anonymous6 April 2012 at 18:37

    Love it! I have GOT to try modeling paste. I actually noticed just last night that my husband has had a tub of joint compound for MONTHS and never told me, so I'll steal some soon.

    I was always told that art isn't really done until it's signed, though that may have been silly prejudice on the part of my art teacher. On the other hand, she was an incredible teacher. Go ahead and sign, on the front - maybe use a fine-tipped brush and paint in a color that won't stand out too much if you're feeling hesitant about it.

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  11. PiaRom7 April 2012 at 22:35

    Gina that is freakin awesome!!

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