Sunday, September 16, 2012

Not!Echo - a monochromatic watercolour

Well, the less said about today, the better.

But one good thing about our plans for the day collapsing with gusto, is that I tidied up my front room - I only seem to get inspired to do housework beyond the bare minimum when I am in a foul mood - and I've been far too happy in recent months so it was a tip! :D

And the other good thing, was after I had calmed myself down with all that therapeutic clearing-up-by-filling-black-bags-full-of-clutter, I had time to finish up a painting I have been faffing about with all week, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

So - here she is - inspired by Whedon's TV show Dollhouse and an image from the opening credits which really resonates with me.  I'd love to just hide away at the bottom of a deep pool for hours (if I could get past that little needing to breathe issue) - nobody could get at me and I wouldn't be able to hear them trying - perfect solitude.


The finished painting is around the width of an A4 sheet of paper and about 1 and 2/3 the height - the little lego cowgirl is there for scale (which, of course, relies on you knowing how big a lego cowgirl is :)  )


I'm glad that I managed to capture the expression of serenity on her face that I was going for.  And that she doesn't look anything like Echo, the character that she is based on, as she's actually my least favourite character in the show....   That's why I've called her Not!Echo

Not so pleased with her hands or feet but they are always impossible....  need more practice.....

And here are a couple of in progress pics - I did mean to take these all the way through, but I forgot - you'll have to imagine the rest, soz:

First I stuck my paper down to my table using torn masking tape to give an uneven border, and then sketched the girl's outline and used masking fluid to mask out her silhouette (minus hair as I knew that would be dark) and the bubbles above her and reflection ripples on the bottom of the pool


Then with a round brush and a dark blue watercolour I wrote in a little bit of what the image of the girl at the bottom of the pool means to me, and then started building up the washes of colour for the background of the painting - dark at the top fading to light at the bottom.

Most of the writing was covered up by the time the painting was finished, but I like to see hints of it peeking through....

Now I just need to find a frame that fits this odd size of paper, as, for the first time ever, I actually would quite like to frame something I've painted :)



9 comments:

Carmen said...

She is gorgeous! I just love her expression and all the light and dark ripples on this. Thank you for showing the steps you did with her.

Could you take her to the framers and get a quote? Or maybe look for one of those long frames with the multiple picture cut-outs in - you know the ones that are intended for lots of photos? She definitely needs to be on display!

Luna Art said...

Wow, I love it Sarah!! The shading on her legs and srms is perfect and you have definately managed to capture the serenity on her face.Fab, Fab, Fab!!!

Paul B said...

Such a beautiful painting. You've certainly captured the feeling of serenity. Those blue colours are gorgeously intense. Pxx

donnalouiserodgers said...

beautiful, quite beautiful, very beautiful in fact

love the weightlessness

i think water distorts how we see so the hands and feet are as they should be...

invest in yourself and take it and get it mounted and framed - try not to pass out when they tell you the cost...

'cos you (and not!echo) are worth it!

dxxxx

Karen Isaacson said...

she's stunning. as a kid I would sit at the bottom of the pool for as long as my lungs would hold out, and then gasp for air and do it all over again. this picture takes me right back there. you captured that feeling perfectly.

Michelle Webb said...

I think I might have rumbles you as my mystery gift sender! If I'm right I just want to say a massive thank you, you really made my day on Friday. XX I love this under water scene, and the words look amazing. Love it. Michelle x

Michelle Webb said...

Ha ha, it was the book binding link on your blog. I recognised the workmanship and the gorgeous papers. Very clever Sarah, I love your technique and my goodies. Michelle x

Jez said...

Very peaceful and serene. At first glance I didn't notice the faint words at the bottom of the pool, but when I went back to the pic they appeared. Just right and they really make the picture. Love it ... It really does deserve framing.

Unknown said...

this is wonderful...I am glad you framed it. it was worthy of it!!!!!