Saturday, May 12, 2012

What's in My Sketchbook?

It's been a while since my last try with drawing and painting bones.  Here is an attempt of it.

Catus & Bones 2

The bone part was a disaster!  The sketch was o.k. but came painting., mo matter what I did, the several layers of acrylic washes just didn't blend well.  The end result was just a flat brown color wash. 

Catus and Bones 3

I got my consolation price from the cactus.  I enjoyed building up the green layers and warmed it up by adding hint of peach at the tip of the plant.


rotate

Originally, I was thinking to paint the little buds and cactus flower red, which was what I saw on most cactus.  But I thought it was too predictable.  Hence I extended the peachy tip to the flower and layered it with yellow and magenta.

rotate 2

The more I was working with my sketchbook page, the more I discovered my palette.  I prefer muted tones than strong colors.  Most of the color I used have a grey undertone.  I like them "pale" as well.  And I try not to use more than 3 or 4 color for each page.  I don't know why, but it makes sense during the creative process.  I'm wondering whether this is a good thing or not?  What do my fellow creatives  think.

Catus & Bones

The sketch is also for Paint Party Friday - hosted by Eva and Kristin.  All are welcomed!  Do join in to share and support each other!

Cheers and have a lovely weekend! xxoo

21 comments:

Marji said...

I like the idea of the limited palette. It's less overwhelming and I think that it spurs on the creative process by making you stretch for colors a little more. I love working with complimentry colors and sticking to two + b&w. Nice cactus. happy PPF

WrightStuff said...

I think it looks fine - but you're right, the cactus is better! Very hard to capture bone I'm sure!

Debbie said...

I heard the advice long ago to use a 3 color palette. I don't always do it, but I often try. It helps to create more unity in the piece. Your colors are wonderful, by the way.

Barbara/myth maker said...

I admire your sketches so much, and they still lifes you make with other objects as well.

Cameron said...

I think a limited palette helps cohere a piece....make them all feel like they belong together in that space :)

Always lovely to peek in your sketchbook!

carol l mckenna said...

Looks very elegant yet rustic ~ well done ~ thanks, namaste, ^_^

Carolyn Dube said...

I flip flop between a rainbow palette and a limited palette- it depends on what I am working on. They each have value in the right situations. I don't think about it too much I just follow my instinct as to which to use.

Netty said...

Loving your pages and the colour palette you've used. Happy PPF, Annette x

Tracey FK said...

some days I am drawn to a limited palette and others I go completely over the top but when ever I want to get my skills and eye in I go straight back to a few colours... they help me focus... I love the cactus in this... great tonal work...xx

Scarlett Clay said...

I think it turned out great, it's got lots of visual interest even with the limited palette, love the cactus!

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Sketchbook is a good practice. Love your cactus and bones. :)

Nancy McCarroll said...

Very interesting sketches. Is there a good source that explains how to do acrylic washes? I have never done that and would love to learn the technique. Thanks much,

Nancy

scrapmanufaktur said...

love that monochrome and low painting! Great work!

EVA said...

Another fascinating page! I like you usual pale colour palette. It suits your subjects. Though I do really love the unexpected, contrasting, little pop of colour the flower added.

Viola said...

I think you're doing just fine the way you do it here. Lovely drawings! and the cactus so beautiful with the flower on top of it! :)

Julie said...

I really like your color palette here, it's always so interesting seeing what's in your sketchbook.

Giggles said...

I love when artists share their frustrations, makes me feel not so alone!! Thanks for sharing your process!!

Hugs Giggles

Elisa Choi said...

I love your work. Love the texture it radiates. Also I prefer limited palette too. It's perfectly fine! I love the way you discover your voice while you create.

carlarey said...

I love the palette you use. It gives your sketch book a cohesive feel. I see it as your own very distinctive style.
Your sketches whisper instead of jump up and down shouting for attention, and I (for one) find that much more appealing.

Kokopelli said...

First I was mistaking the bone for a plant. Sorry for that! I like the pale colors and the cactus blossoms sets that little accent that makes a painting interesting.

kristin maynes said...

Very nice! Your bone looks very good to me! Love the colors and shapes of your cactus.