Victoria Olson Art – Watercolor, Egg Tempera & Oil

Watercolor in Process: Fruit Bowl Finished.

Fruit Bowl with Blue Glass Vase 2015

The paper is quite big, so I made a quick drawing putting everything where I want it to go on the picture plane.
The paper is quite big, so I made a quick drawing putting everything where I want it to go on the picture plane.
First I wet the area I'm going to work on. Then I lay in the color very lightly; so lightly maybe I can only see it. I do this because if something is out of place, I can move it.
First I wet the area I’m going to work on. Then I lay in the color very lightly; so lightly maybe I can only see it. I do this because if something is out of place, I can move it.
When making a watercolor, I always try to paint all over the paper in different areas before retouching already painted areas. This gives harmony.
When making a watercolor, I always try to paint all over the paper in different areas before retouching already painted areas. This gives harmony.
Normally I don't like to focus on one area and develope it too much because that area can get too dark too soon, but since the light changes, I wanted to capture the fruit all together with the same light.
Normally I don’t like to focus on one area and develop it too much because that area can get too dark too soon, but since the light changes, I wanted to capture the fruit all together with the same light.
I started in with the background because the background influences the foreground. They must all be worked on with the same amout of care and time for harmony.
I started in with the background because the background influences the foreground. They must all be worked on with the same amount of care and time for harmony.
Yesterday I didn't think about putting in a vase, but this morning I thought it would help the composition and it did.
Yesterday I didn’t think about putting in a vase, but this morning I thought it would help the composition and it did.
Here I felt that I knew where everything belonged on the picture plane, so I went straight for the color and value. I try to do this quickly and exactly to keep it loose and fresh.
Here I felt that I knew where everything belonged on the picture plane, so I went straight for the color and value. I try to do this quickly and exactly to keep it loose and fresh.
Here I started putting in details, and contrasting colors, re-analyzing the shapes. But always working around the paper.
Here I started putting in details, and contrasting colors, re-analyzing the shapes. But always working around the paper.
Today it was cloudy. The sun came out, went away, came out, went away. So I painted the shadow as fast as possible to catch it. I'm still not finished, so let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Today it was cloudy. The sun came out, went away, came out, went away. So I painted the shadow as fast as possible to catch it. I’m still not finished, so let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Yesterday, I covered an important light accidentally, so today I brushed water into the area and pulled out the light with a cotton cloth. This is not recomendable because the paper suffers. Lights should always be respected.
Yesterday, I covered an important light accidentally, so today I brushed water into the area and pulled out the light with a cotton cloth. This is not recommendable because the paper suffers. Lights should always be respected.
It's hard to tell, but as I was working around the paper yesterday and the day before, I was lightly laying in the pattern on the table cloth. Today I emphasized.
It’s hard to tell, but as I was working around the paper yesterday and the day before, I was lightly laying in the pattern on the table-cloth. Today I emphasized. I finished the painting at mid day. This painting took about 18 hours to make. It’s a full sheet of Arches 640 gsm. 22 in x 30 in 100% cotton.

Responses

  1. createarteveryday Avatar
    createarteveryday

    Wow, it’s beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. victoria Olson O'Donnell Avatar
      victoria Olson O’Donnell

      Thank you! It was really enjoying to make.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Florence Benjumea Avatar
    Florence Benjumea

    This is so helpful, Victoria! I struggle a lot with watercolor, so it’s great to see how other painters are working. Thank you for putting this together!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. victoria Olson O'Donnell Avatar
      victoria Olson O’Donnell

      Hi Florence!
      I’m so glad you find it helpful! I’ve seen your watercolors and they are really beautiful. Keep on painting a lot. Victoria

      Like

      Reply

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