Japanese Magnolia - Take 2

Japanese Magnolia
Copyright
Jan Gibson

This is the second Japanese Magnolia I've painted in watercolor. The first was from a photo reference taken by someone else on a free photo sharing site. This one is from my own photo reference taken at WalMart's garden center of all places! The day was a little overcast so I had to compensate and punch up the color and contrast in this painting.

I can see why it's so desirable to work from life. Most of the time I don't have the luxury of doing that as my main subject matter tends to be less than cooperative at sitting still for long. And I have to admit that I'm usually a very slow painter so even florals or landscapes will change light before I can begin to finish them. Photographs give the luxury of working at my own pace and the time to make changes that may not be there while painting en plein air.

Anyway, thanks to the help of the good people at Let's Make Art, I've finally finished this flower. I have a bunch of photos so maybe I'll paint another one one of these days. I think they're beautiful.

More Magnolia - Pushing the Darks

"Japanese Magnolia"
Watercolor
copyright
Jan Gibson

I had a very kind soul email me to suggest that the background could go even darker to make the flower really sing. I think this is about as dark as I can go with it now! lol

Why is it that newbies to painting/drawing are so reluctant to "push the darks"? Well, I know the answer to that - it's a fear of ruining the painting. Fortunately, this was an experimental piece and I wasn't afraid of destroying a masterpiece! lol

OK, you've seen the progression of this painting - any more suggestions, comments?

"Glowing" Japanese Magnolia

"Japanese Magnolia"
watercolor on Arches Cold Pressed
copyright
Jan Gibson

Well, I finished the magnolia painting yesterday evening and I don't know whether the yellow underpainting gives the painting a glow or not. I think in this painting, it gives a sort of antique look and I wonder if the technique is better suited for some paintings than for others.

I will probably use this technique again though as I certainly can see the possibilities for it's use.

I'm still working on the colored pencil painting but hope to have it finished in a few days. We're supposed to get more rain and cooler weather through the weekend and my husband has his own project to work on so I should be free to paint as much as I want.

I'll keep you posted!