First post - Salisbury Crags
Hello all - I’ve taken a bravery pill and submitted my first pic. I’ve been messing sporadically with watercolour for about 3 years now and now about to paint again after a 3 month hiatus. I’ve learnt most of what I know from Olly‘s videos supplemented by David Dewey, Crawshaw and Bellamy. - hugely helpful thank you Olly. I have also been inspired massively by this particular part of the forum and all of the submissions made by members. This picture is a birthday card I made last autumn for a friend on A4 Aquafine paper. It is based on a photo and my observations during runs in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh. It took about half an hour to sketch and paint (indoors). For this submission, the primary challenges I had and would like advice on are: 1. background detail - I simplified the soul out of the infinitely detailed Edinburgh skyline and 2. I didn’t get the aerial perspective strong enough - not a cool enough background and too much detail in the middle distance. I was pleased with some of the warm late afternoon light I captured and very happy that the recipient recognised the view! Thank you in advance. Karl
Karl yes I too am skiddish about posting. But the folks on this forum are super helpful and many have tons of experience (which I don't have). I would agree with others that backing off the tone to the lighter side and varying the tone from lighter background with softer edges to darker foreground with some harder edges would be something to explore. I do like the definition in the cliff face and the variation of the colors below the cliff. Hope this helps and keep posting. Like I said there are some amazing painters on the forum that have very valuable ideas.