Painting a Wren in Gouach (4)

Expanding Your Artistic Horizons Series

Painting Session 4

Date: 09/04/2017
Subject: Wren on A Dogwood Branch
Medium: Gouache on Illustration Board
Colors Used In This Session:  Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Zinc White, Alizarin Crimson, Lemon Yellow, Ultramarine Blue
Links to painting sessions: Session 1, Session 2, Session 3

I spent this session working on all three flowers and leaves, working to refine them to the point of some level of realism. Still not there, but I think I may have to be satisfied until I can learn more about the properties of Gouache. It is a challenge to switch from one medium to the other such as oil to gouache, especially from one that dries slowly to one that almost dries instantly. It gives you a new sense of appreciation for those artists past and present who mastered multiple mediums. In this session, I tried to blend lights and darks using various amounts of water along with brushing techniques. Gouache does not take much water before it becomes transparent, so I am still learning what it takes to ensure it remains opaque.