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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Lightning Bolt

Watercolor on arches paper, 40 x 30 cm
Another scene inspired by the Olympic games. This one and the previous watercolor were done without  a pencil drawing, directly with the brush and paint. I started to understand Jean Haines' words that this method gives you more freedom. You build the scene gradually one shape at a time and can change and move things around, not confined by pencil lines. There is a bigger risk of getting the proportions wrong, of course, but it is so much fun when things turn out right.
I'm planning to explore a few more sport disciplines ...

8 comments:

Rita Vaselli said...

The direct painting is the beautiful point of arrival of Watercolor! Record-breaking athletes were painted by you with true mastery,Blaga!

Sharon Whitley said...

Superb painting, would love to see more!

Blaga said...

Thank you, Rita! It's true, direct painting is very exciting. I hope you are having a lovely vacation.

Thank you, Sharon! I have more ideas, hopefully I find the time for more :)

renate said...

Hello Blaga:) How brave! That must be very exiting without pencil line to guide you. Your painting turned out so beautiful, full of movement. Great job!

Lynn Cohen said...

Amazing...not over used word here, you, the bolt, this technique all boggle my mind! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The gal down below also!!! love the light source on the bolt's thigh.

Blaga said...

Thank you, Renate! I first sketched the figures on a sketchpad, to have my hand "learn" the subject. This makes direct painting afterwards much easier.

Wow, Lynn, you are too nice :) I am very glad that you like them!

Gordon said...

This and "Motion" are wonderful spirited paintings.
The speed and power are superbly illustrated. As
hinted by Sharon, would be great to see more to
create a series for the 2012 games :)

Sadami said...

Dear Blaga,
All your paingings of sports are wonderful. You're the winner!!As for motion or movement, there's a same pattern and it's repeated in sports. So, when you find it and get it, paradoxically, capturing movements is not hard. Unlike photos, drawings can make very dynamic and dramatic scene. It's up to an artist's eyes and skills. I'm sure you'll enjoy them!!
Best wishes, Sadami