Friday, December 12, 2008

december virtual sketch date

(7x11)
This was my first attempt, on hot press paper; it looks better--less flat--in the photo. Below is the second attempt, on cold press paper.

(5x7)
Visit the Virtual Sketch Date blog for links to other people's version of this reference photo.
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23 comments:

Suzanne McDermott said...

Both are very nice, Laura! The different papers really bring out different sorts of personalities in the same subject matter.

Claire MW said...

I just love the first one - I think partly because it has more trees in it. I also like the snow spots. It has a very cosy feeling despite the snow.

In the spring when my sheep are out in the field, I would love to send you a photo for a watercolor to be done. Maybe by then you'll have an Etsy shop and be ready to take commissions!

Jennifer Rose said...

Lovely winter scenes :) Is amazing how different the 2 look just because of the lack of trees.

A Brush with Color said...

wonderful wintery scenes. I like them both a lot!

Sanghi said...

Both are lovely. The snow spots in the first one gives a cool effect, that's so nice. Do check my art blog ad leave ur comments.

Sharon said...

Oh, they are both so pretty, Laura. I like the second one best. (The juxtaposition of the two buildings just bugged me, so I omitted one in my painting...)

Cathy Gatland said...

I like them both too, Laura - the sparkly first one and the more serene, glowing second... I just couldn't identify with this VSD with our hot muggy weather here now, so left it - but these do remind me of a wonderful snowy Christmas we had about 16 years ago in Oregon, USA.

Ruth said...

The snowflakes add a lot, to both this scene and the cardinal.

I loved hearing about your affection for James! Prof in my dept suggests Portrait of a Lady next, and a few more I wrote in a comment at synch.

Mineke Reinders said...

They are both very nice! I'm slightly more drawn to the top one, it has a warmer feel to me, and I love that jagged line where the middle ground brush meets the foreground snow. Oh, and the snowflakes are great, too.

joanieART said...

Both very nice...that top one with the snow falling down....just lovely.

Noemí González said...

Hello Laura! I like the second one best; more free expressive brush strokes.

carol edan said...

Its really hard to choose they are both so different. Like different places... maybe because of the trees but also the light. I lean toward the second one.!!!
Carol

Donna Mulholland said...

They are both wonderful. I slightly prefer the first one, but it is like choosing between a milk chocolate and a dark chocolate!

Sherry Pierce Thurner said...

I love it when people do different versions of the same source photo, what better way to clearly show the potential for individual interpretation. I also am drawn to the first scene, with its trees and falling snow. The ragged line at the bottom of the corn field is wonderful, and drew me into the scene.

Kathleen said...

Both versions are great I am surprised at how the temperature and feel of the day changes - if I had to pick one - I like the second version without the snow - it looks like a warmer day

Regina Calton Burchett said...

Very nice watercolors - and I really like how you changed out the composition with fewer trees in the second one. Lovely work!

Jan Pope said...

Nice job on both works. I think the one with the snow falling is my fav.

Andy said...

Hi, I like both and both have a very different feel about them. I like the addition of snow in the first, in the second its like the perspective has changed - as if I was viewing the house from the inside of a passing car. That probably makes no sense at all but I know what I mean ... :o)

MD said...

Both are lovely and would make a great Christmas card. I really like the way you handle those watercolours.
MD

Leslie Hawes said...

Snow and Sunshine.
How different these two are!
I like them both.

ego2005 said...

Nice work! Congratulations!

Teresa said...

Gosh, Laura, I LOVE the way you turned this into a snow scene! Flat out gorgeous!

Victoria on Okinawa said...

I like and admire your free expression of the subject matter in watercolor. Thank you for your kind posting your wrote of my challenge view.