Saturday, April 05, 2008

Banyan Tree Watercolor 8x12

I've been studying my Banyan tree oil trying to 'see' the finish. Mostly everything is in shadow but the lights will define them and lead the eye. In order to not over do the oil painting, I embarked on a watercolor drawing to help me get a sense of all the shapes in the tree and shadows. Watercolor feels so carefree. I wonder why? I know. You all think I'm goofing off at the pool. You're right.

7 comments:

The Paint Studio & Gallery said...

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your nice words about my little doggy blocks.
I really enjoyed your "demo" on the banyon trees, like the way you think through the shapes and color patterns. Looking forward to seeing more.
Phyllis

Paula Villanova said...

Oddly enough for me, the banyan tree served as inspiration for what I thought initially was an awesome abstract. When I looked closer, I could see the tree. I love banyan trees, and I love all of these paintings!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

Phyllis, those doggie blocks are kickin'!
Thanks so much for pointing out the thought process.
Outdoor painting really is challenging and it's hard to focus on shapes amid so much detail.
Paula, thank YOU!
From the beginning, I saw this as an abstract that had to 'dawn' on the viewer. Oh, it's a banyan tree.
I think I've discovered something here.

virtual nexus said...

Mary - glad you've posted this commentary; I finally dug out some old gear and worn brushes and did a rough sketch of oils from out the window. (It would have been plein freeze outside as we had a snowfall last night).

You're definitely right about reducing all the complexity - and I can also see the advantage in a premix. Thanks for your advice.

Love the watercolour and interested as to how you simplified the oil.

Dawn said...

I like your banyan tree in oil or watercolor. I envy your goofing off at the pool too!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

If I were you I'd definitely be at the pool goofing off, girl. I like the abstract quality to the banyans, too. Just keep painting...

Frank Gardner said...

I like the watercolor too!

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