Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Day Two, Bird Painting Challenge

This fellow was painted in gouache from a photo I was so lucky to capture. He didn't know I had the camera. I can get lots of bird
 photos from my kitchen windows.

Anyway, this grackle was sopping wet. 
I was so happy with the outcome of painting his portrait because all day yesterday I did a lot of painting that did not work out so well!
But the good thing about having a challenge is that it makes you keep going till you meet it! 

I must say, "Soli Deo Gloria!"

5 comments:

Barbara said...

Debra, how does gouache differ from acrylics? Also wondering about the “bird challenge”. I love what you did from memory. It’s the only way I can paint, either from memory or just by letting the painting go where it wants. That works best with a palette knife for me. I’ve been lazy, with painting and blogging. Hope to see more of you here!

Debra said...

Hi Barbara! Gouache is quite different from acrylics. When acrylics dry, you can paint over them without color lifting and changing the color you're using over the paint. This is true only to an extent with gouache. If you let the bottom layer dry, you'll get less lifting. Probly best to google a really good answer, but short answer is: they are very different. Gouache takes a little getting used to. At first-I HATED gouache. For some odd reason unknown to me, I just started fiddling with my paints and worked past the frustration paint until I kinda got the hang of them. Now I LOVE them and look forward to painting every day!
The painting of the grackle was done using my photo of him. I do like to just paint out of my head(!) but I don't do that enough. It's an excellent way to really learn...

Barbara said...

Ah, I misread somehow. From memory or photo, no matter. It’s your interpretation regardless! So glad you are past the painting block. I’m sort of in one right now and spinning my wheels creating other things. You inspire me, I hope your enthusiasm is catching! I want to get back to it.

Chris Lally said...

Soli Deo Gloria - bet you just made Him smile:) Yes, it is wonderful.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Debra what a wonderful job - especially the eye - it is magnificent. I so love the birds.