Friday, May 8, 2009

Farmland in Monochrome

watercolor landscape painting by atul pande
Watercolor always scares me due to the apparent finality that comes from contact between color and paper. There is no way to retrace steps once brush meets paper. Yet I have seen videos of watercolorists who seem to effortlessly correct "mistakes" and produce beautiful pictures. As a result I have played with watercolor more and am finding that accidents can be turned into unanticipated creativity.

That was not the case with this farmland picture, but the challenge I set here was to produce a watercolor picture with a restricted -- almost monochromatic -- palette. I used only burnt sienna, raw sienna and ultramarine blue. The effect is a rather pleasing dusky scene that is so reminiscent of the American midwest.

Farmland in Monochrome, Watercolor on 300lb paper, 9"x12", Not for sale

7 comments:

  1. You've achieved some nice effects with a limited palette.

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  2. Just found your blog. How great that a few years ago you discovered painting! Love your windows. The composition on this piece is great. In fact, I am painting one now almost the same...but, an abandoned one room school house in place of the barn.

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  3. stumbled upon your blog recently and I was immediately drawn to this painting. It's beautiful.
    Your 'accidental artist' title made me smile. What a lovely way to phrase it :)

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  4. very nice painting
    happy art day

    check out my drawing (comments would be helpful, if u can give me some tips, ima beginner)
    http://ohwowsorandom.blogspot.com/2009/08/events-art-day-is-today.html

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  5. Emily: Thanks for the nice comment. I wish you luck with your entry into the world of art. I have only two pieces of advice to offer: (1) paint because you want to, and (2) paint what you love. Imitating others (either in style or subject matter) is simply a way to learn but not a way to truly express yourself. Good luck!

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  6. Hi, Haven't seen you around in a while - hope all is well!

    Judy

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  7. Hi :-) I am an artist cum sculptor... came across your blog.. Lovely paintings :-) great work

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