Sunflowers on the side. 6 x 8 1/2 watercolor and ink. 2015 Sheila Delgado
This was a struggle. It was going smoothly, until the last step. And from there, I just could not get it right. I had planned on a background that would suggest foliage behind the stems. Something soft and lacking detail. Below is the first attempt. It looked a lot better in person, but still was not… pleasing. (Clicking on the image description will take you to an attachment page if the image is not loading here.)
For some reason, none of the scans were working for me. Usually I have to make minimal adjustments in Photoshop, to get the scanned image to look like the original. Even in the final image above, the colors are not a true representation.
The sky is richer, I used a glaze of ultramarine to add some variation and depth. The yellows look flat and cold, and in reality there are three different tones, and overall the blooms are much warmer. Only the leaves and stems look like the original.
First try
Sure I had destroyed this piece, I decided to go dark, and just cover up all that awfulness. Hide the evidence, right. I even considered covering the sky in darkness. Going straight for graphic. I wasn’t happy with the result, and thought about ripping it up.
2nd try
Next I washed off most of the Indigo.I didn’t have a clue what to do. But I realized I really liked the contrast of the blue with the blooms, and leaves. So I tried again with the indigo. But instead of adding the color to dry paper, I wet each section first, and dropped in color from a wet brush.
3rd try
Actually there at least three other attempts in between. The paper really got a work out. Still unhappy with my results, I digitally remove the cloud. I also digitally cropped almost an inch off the left side, and the top. I think that made all the difference. ( I have since edited the original.) So the name, Sunflowers On The Side no longer fits. Maybe I should name it Survivors.
Wishing you great success in your creative efforts!
I giggled when you said “hide the evidence”. 🙂 I wonder why your scanner was acting up like that? So frustrating! I think it worked out in the end, tho, even if it did give you trouble.
I am not sure either, I usually don’t have such a problem with it. It was better the next time, glad about that 🙂
I love how it turned out! The dark background and diminishing the cloud brings the focus right on the sunflowers which are beautiful! 🙂
Thank you Karin! I was going to work on making the cloud better.. but then I thought that exactly, it just takes away from the main focus. K.I.S.S. ha ha Blesings to you 🙂
I really don’t know what you’re complaining about 🙂
I think it’s beautiful.. I really do!
You cracked me up Sylvie! Thank you, don’t sweat the small stuff ‘ey?! Be well busy gal!
Might be my favorite so far!!
WOW thanks Vivayne 🙂 I debated about even posting it! So glad you like it 🙂
I like it! The final composition with the dark behind the flowers and no space on the left side is just perfect. I don’t think people expect the colors of photos on line to be true representations of the painting and other artists often know about the changes and can visualize the ‘correct’ look of a piece. Well Done!
Whew, thanks Val 🙂 I think the cropping made a huge difference 🙂