Longhorn

Longhorn by Leada Wood © All Rights Reserved

This was a fun little painting, only 5X7, a watercolor on top of a section of Texas map. I copied the map, collaged it onto a piece of matt board then  put a layer of  1/2 gesso, 1/2 water over the map, drew my little longhorn onto the map and painted with watercolors. I made sure Austin was showing as this little gem is going to Austin for the 5X7 ART SPLURGE at the Arthouse. The show opens May 12th.

Experimental Chilies



Experimental Chilies by Leada Wood

I used frisket film and cut out shapes and placed on my paper and then painted a light wash of transparent watercolor over the shapes. When the underpainting was dry I drew my chili pepper on and then painted with local color, transparently so that some of the underpainting would show through. When that was dry I put in my shadows to complete the painting. 



Grey Transparent Watercolor Technique

Grey Transparent Watercolor Technique by Leada Wood

I am still exploring the mystery of this hibiscus! I started the same as in the other two demos, drawing lines and circles. This time I used only transparent compliments to make various shades of grey, again changing color or value as I came to a line. I defined the shape of the flower and put in the darks and then popped in bright color here and there for interest.  I have enjoyed playing around with this flower and will probably do more experimental watercolor...stay tuned!

Warm Transparent Watercolor Technique





Warm Transparent Watercolor Exercise

 This is an experimental exercise. I first drew circles and lines then I used only three colors, red, yellow, and blue transparent watercolor. Every time I came to a line I changed up the color or value...or at least I tried to! After I painted the underpainting I began defining the shape of the hibiscus. It is a fun little exercise and gives a totally different look to a traditional flower painting.