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How To Paint Water

12/8/2020

6 Comments

 
My sister asked me two excellent questions today that made me stop and think. The first one was: How do you get the water in your paintings to look like water?

Hmmm. I've never given this question a whole lot of thought. At least in any specific, scientifically-minded way. After all, I'm an artist, not a scientist. Truth is, I really just paint water like I paint anything else. That is, I merely observe whatever shapes and colors are right there in front of me. And I try to render them as faithfully as my pigments and skill level allow.

For example, as I painted Mums in a Bud Vase (below) I could see that the flowers had lots of crispy edges and the colors were clear and intense. The stems beneath them had softer edges and the colors were muted in comparison. This was because
the glass vase formed a translucent layer in front of the stems and enveloped them in haze. An additional soupy layer was created when the stems dipped down into the water. So the stems appeared even softer and fainter there.

But wait, why do the stems seem to bend as they enter the water? Well, if I remember my physics correctly, l
ight is a wave of energy that travels through many materials, including air and space. It can also pass through glass and water. But glass and water are denser than air, so the waves slow down as they pass through them. Slowing down makes the light waves change direction. Straight objects look as if they bend as they hit the water. Or they can seem to break and move over slightly. Or something like that. As I said, I'm not a scientist.

Okay, so I carefully painted the flowers and stems according to what I actually observed. I also included the line where the water starts in the vase. In the context of flowers and vases I think the viewer can easily tell that there's water involved!
Picture
Mums in Bud Vase
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Here's another great question from my inquisitive sister: Are the shadows of the oranges in your painting really purple? Or do you just choose to paint them that color?

This was a much easier question to answer! Because I always paint colors as I observe them, to the best of my ability. That's how I learned to paint way back in art school, and it's the approach that appeals to me most. I don't feel the need to make any colors up! Nature itself is way more colorful and beautiful than we usually take any notice of. For me painting is a kind of homage to nature. As well as a way of slowing down the pace of life and appreciating the beauty that surrounds us.

In short, the shadows really were a purple-ish blue color in Mandarin Oranges, No. 2 (below). For the most part, that's how I painted them. I had placed the oranges in a transparent dish on top of a soft lavender cloth. The light shining on the table gave the cloth a warm orange-ish pink glow. The shadows of the oranges echo the lavender color. And if you look closely you can see that they also reflect the orange/red color of the fruit.

When I set up this still life I was enchanted by the dance of the leaves and how all the colors seemed to sing. I tried my best to convey my appreciation of these things to the viewer.

Picture
Mandarin Oranges, No. 2
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Thanks so much for your questions, Sis!

So, are you curious about how I work too? Go ahead and let me know in the comments. You might just inspire me to answer your question in a post! Thanks for visiting.


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6 Comments
Tanya
12/9/2020 01:55:44 pm

If only you could convey the smell! Although, your paintings are so beautiful it triggers the smell in my mind. ❤️

Reply
Julie Kessler
12/9/2020 02:55:17 pm

Hmmmm, scent .... I'll have to work on that. Still above my skill level, lol. But I'm so glad that the paintings evoke the sensation of aroma, thanks!

Reply
Joan T link
12/9/2020 03:11:20 pm

Julie, you explain things so well and so logically. Well done!

Reply
Julie Kessler
12/9/2020 03:38:30 pm

Gosh thanks, Joan, good to hear! Writing is a new thing for me!

Reply
Janette Rozene link
12/9/2020 06:14:03 pm

Two beautiful paintings and fascinating explanation of your working process! I love the contrast of the rich, deep dark colors and the transparent washes.

Reply
Julie Kessler
12/10/2020 07:29:39 am

Thanks a million, Janette, I'm so happy that you read my post and found it interesting! I never know what will happen when I write these things, lol.

Reply



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    Julie Painting

    Julie Kessler

    I'm a representational painter enchanted by the unique qualities of watercolor. Sometimes oils, gouache, colored pencils and other media call to me too. I started this blog to share my work and ideas about making art. Sometimes I toss other things into the mix. Such as painters I love, and art books and exhibits that inspire me. Your comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from you! 


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