Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Watercolor Lucie


I've been exploring pet portraits in watercolor for some time and really like the medium of watercolor and gouache (opaque watercolor) but I haven't had a lot of time to experiment with it lately.  Recently an online friend posted some photos of a little service dog trainee that she was keeping and I couldn't resist painting her.  I also felt that she would be a perfect subject for a watercolor portrait.

My husband is usually my best critic and he thought the painting lacked enough contrast (first photo) so I went back in and deepened some of the color.  I think I like the first version best but it's done now so I plan to leave it alone.  What do you think?  Comments and critiques are always welcome.

6 comments:

Jo Castillo said...

Thanks for the note today! I really like the one with more contrast, but you know how I am about bright colors. You need to go with your instincts. : )

Jan said...

Thanks, Jo! I normally like the higher contrast/brighter colors too. This puppy was very light in the photos though and I was torn between staying true to the real colors or making it more interesting!

Sharon Whitley said...

I think I like the second one best too although I would be perfectly thrilled with the first as well, I've admired your work since I first saw it and it's lovely to read about the surroundings you paint in, you're very blessed

Jan said...

Thanks for stopping by Sharon, it's so good to see you here. And thanks for saying you admire my work - that's huge to me coming from you!

Yes, I do feel blessed to live where we do. It's frustrating sometimes because we seem so far from art stores and other things like museums, cable and those things that seem indispensable to others, but I love the peace.

Liz said...

Hi Jan, thank you for using Lucie's photo in your painting, It is gorgeous and shows her little character beautifully, getting into all sorts of mischief.
Liz xx

Jan said...

Hi Liz! You know I think Lucie is the cutest little thing and I just couldn't not paint her!