Welcome to Polly's Blog

Welcome to Polly's Blog
Watercolour, humour, this and that

Sunday 5 October 2014

AUTUMN & NIGHT TIME W/C

One of these paintings was a battle and the other a pleasure.  The agony and the ecstacy (well that is a slight exaggeration!).

Last week at the Art Club I belong to, a member brought in a pile, and yes I mean a big pile, of autumn things that she found in the park very near the club.  So here is the composition I came up with.  Did a quick pen sketch (so no rubbing out which speeds the process up) and then in with my trust big brush and some loose washes and salt.  Such fun.  Nothing planned, no pressure!


Last New Year we were in Amsterdam.  I took a night scene picture that I just knew I wanted to paint.  Now you know painting doesn't work out that way,  So this is the nightmare painting. I did the under painting a while ago and knew it wasn't working, I couldn't put my finger on why. Stuffed it in a box and left it, as you do!


I found it this week, was going to paint on the back but persisted in my endeavours.  Still don't like it, but when I sloshed on the sky (technical term) I just had to finish it.  Now I have got it out of my system and have a nice fresh piece of watercolour paper on the back to start something new. A positive out of a negative.  However, I do like the lady in the foreground.


Happy Sunday to one and all.  Keep smiling through.

18 comments:

  1. Your fall painting is a real beauty Polly! I love the feeling of nature changing its mood. And if you hadn't said anything about the second one, I would never have guessed you had so much trouble with it. Great atmosphere, I like urban scenes! xx

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    1. Good morning Helen. Autumn colours are my favourite so couldn't resist having a go at the sketching (not all the members tried). And yes I think I have no problem with sharing my two opposite paintings, one fast and fun and the other slow and laboured.

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  2. Two different styles and both beautiful ! The first one is fresh and spontaneous , the second one is more worked but very interesting, you did a great job finishing it !

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    1. Thanks Jane. While both were enjoyable to paint it is strange how one painting can flow and the other can be a battle. Trial and tribulations of being an artist

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  3. I love both of them Polly. Annette x

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  4. I really love the first one Polly - watercolour works well with the subject and the colours are gorgeous. I love the reflections you got on the second one ... but the first is my favourite

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    1. Typical isn't it, the one you try hardest with doesn't work and the gung ho one turns out a treat.

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  5. Dear Polly - Oh both paintings are superb. Just because of the subjects the first is my favorite - so fresh and inviting. As for the second one I think it was just as successful but it is always fun to turn it over on the back and have a fresh start. Can't wait to see what you will paint next!!

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    1. Debbie, you say the nicest things! I will never like the night view but the autumn one gave me a buzz because it wasn't what I planned. Isn't art strange.

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  6. You are so versatile Polly and I love how you have captured the autumn trinkets. Your street scene was sitting there waiting for you to have the spark required and now it has all the light and shade for interest, sometimes I find that I have to wait for my skills to catch up with my expectations and am thankful tht one day each one does, we are lucky we can keep our work easily in piles and not acres of room for unfinished canvas LOL

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    1. There is nobody more versatile than you! I haven't your imagination. I do like to finish something even if I struggle - sometimes pays off. And yes, thank goodness I don't paint on canvas, I would need an extension to keep them all. I should count how many paintings I still have.

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  7. what a wonderful fall painting! It is just right! Love that street scene too.

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    1. Well thank you Celeste. I love the colours of Fall, sounds funny when we say Autumn

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  8. I finally got back from my trip and am trying to catch up on all the blog posts I missed. Love your autumn painting...It looks great. I've done that with treasures I've collected and then rearranged them and did a second version. Your zoo paintings are great!!! I just love the penguins. Great work!

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    1. How lovely of you to check on my older posts too. You are very kind. Bet it's nice to be home.

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  9. Each watercolor has a history ... so talk with other watercolorists is reassuring !!!
    It does not happen only to me....painting watercolor in a short time, another in weeks ...or some years !!!
    Polly dear, you make me happy with your sincere sparkling verve !!!
    Now I really appreciate the first work that came quickly, but I find it very well also ended the urban landscape, where you found a brilliant way to increase contrast and motion

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  10. Very lovely, Polly, I especially like the autumn one with the different washes and textures, just beautiful!

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