Julie Kessler Fine Art
  • Home
  • Galleries
  • On Paper
  • Oil Paintings
    • Landscapes
    • Still Lifes
  • About
  • Available
  • Contact
  • Blog

Touch of Pink

2/18/2021

2 Comments

 
Mallomars! The chocolate cookie that's so much fun to paint. And since it's cold outside they're in season. And available right now at my local grocery store.

Though what I really wanted was another shot at that pink floral napkin. Yes, I love all the softness of the pinks against the crispy, dark cookies. But I have to confess, it's mainly because I love a good challenge. And for me, painting fabric in watercolor isn't easy. Especially patterned fabric. How come? Let me explain.
Picture
Mallomars No. 3
For Details or to Purchase

Well, one big challenge is in making the folds in the cloth look soft and rounded. Often there's a soft, subtle edge where a fold turns to the light, and a sharper, darker edge on its opposite side. A clean, moist brush will soften an edge, but just how moist is that? And since adding more water to the paint makes it lighter, I need to carefully gauge the ratio of paint to water for controlling lights and darks. All while choosing the right colors. And, as I make all these decisions, it's important to keep the paint moist and fresh, and not let it dry out. So the paint doesn't look blotchy. And the paper surface doesn't get wrecked. And the colors don't get muddy.

But wait, there's more! I also need to suggest the floral pattern, painting gingerly around the white flowers so they stay white. Why suggest? So each flower and leaf is just a little bit soft and hazy, without too much oomph. Otherwise the flowers will take over the whole painting and compete with the cookies for attention. After all, this painting is called "Mallomars, No. 3", and not "Floral Napkin with Mallomars"!

And, with all these different colors in the pattern and the folds and the lights and shadows, and keeping the white flowers white, pant, pant ... the napkin still has to read as a pretty, delicate pink.

Yes, it's a lot for a novice watercolorist! It's one thing to understand all this in theory, and quite another to actually do it. There's only one way to learn how to paint with beautiful, confident brushstrokes: Practice, practice, practice. I'm workin' on it.

I'd love to hear from you!
Click on the comment section below to add your questions and comments.

SUBSCRIBE
INSTAGRAM

2 Comments
Berel Kadens
2/20/2021 07:45:28 pm

You are amazing! I am so impressed.

Reply
Julie Kessler
2/21/2021 12:08:50 pm

Thanks Ber, such a sweet comment.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    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! 


    Follow Here!
    Instagram
    Subscribe!

    Recent Posts

    Picture
    Central Park Trees
    Picture
    Central Park Grad
    Picture
    Singer 66 Red Eye

    Categories

    All
    Art History
    Books & Videos
    Boucher
    Central Park
    Cityscapes
    Color
    Colored Pencils
    Composition
    DIY
    Drawing
    Exhibits
    Friskit
    Gouache
    Hispanic Society
    Interiors
    Introduction
    Julie's Drawings
    Julie's Paintings
    Landscape Painting
    Manet
    Metropolitan Museum Of Art
    Oil Paintings
    Pen And Wash
    Portraits
    Sam Adoquei
    Sorolla
    Still Life
    Theo Fried
    Thomas Hart Benton
    Veronese
    Watercolor Pencils
    Watercolors


    www.juliekessler.com
 HOME   GALLERIES   ON PAPER   OIL PAINTINGS  AVAILABLE  ABOUT   CONTACT   BLOG
Follow:  Instagram  Subscribe
www.juliekessler.com  All images © Julie Kessler, all rights reserved