Saturday, April 14, 2012

New WIP -"Pierre, the Greenman"

I have not posted much lately. Where does all the time go? For the past three weeks, I have been working off and on on my second watercolor of a "Green Man"  You may remember "Angus, the Green Man" from one of my February posts; it was one of three stunning Ottawa sculptures commissioned by Bobby Watt of RJW-Gem Campbell Stonemasons Inc. While the first sculpture represented Mr. Watt's move from Scotland to Canada through the symbols of the thistle ( emblem flower of Scotland) and maple leaves ( symbol of Canada), this time, the sculpture is called "Pierre, the Green Man" and it represents Mr. Watt's move to Quebec through the use of not only maple leaves, but the "fleur de lys", symbol of the province of Quebec: see the fleur de lys in the upper left corner.

This watercolor is also on 140 lb Fabriano SP and is about 18" X 18" but I will crop it to the same size as the first in the series, 17" X 17" to be framed to 25" X 25".

I am progressing slowly on this one." I have had my son and my daughter over for the long weekend, I had several appointments etc...And...it's not an easy painting:-) The eye on the right-hand side is extremely important since it really becomes the focus of the painting...I have tried really hard to get it right. The other eye is currently just sketched in.  While "Angus" was very whimsical, this "Pierre" has to look almost like a real person hiding behind the leaves.

I am not sure I like the colors so far: the top is very dark and subdued...This photo was taken with a flash, so the colors  are not very accurate.  If I don't like the final version, I could always redo it - I have taken several photos of "Pierre" from several angles:-)

What do you think?

16 comments:

  1. Hi Christiane. You are really doing some cool paintings! This is looking great so far. I love the colors. The top dark part you speak of is working, but i find that it is difficult to accurately evaluate a piece until all the areas are complete. I love getting really dark bits in a piece as i find it sets off the light areas really nicely and makes the bright areas brighter. So far so good Christiane. When i first saw it it had the "Wow" factor right off.

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    1. Thank you, Ross. I like a "wow" factor:-) I am keeping my fingers crossed and will keep on working on this. I am glad that you like the colors...that's my major concern right now.

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  2. looks like a great start christiane ..will come back :)

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    1. Thank you, Jane. I really appreciate your support and your opinion.

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  3. Wow. That's what I was thinking when opened your blog's page.
    I look forward to see more steps and wish you good luck.

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    1. You are very kind, Irina. I will try to make a lot more progress on this painting in the coming week.

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  4. I am sure it will turn out fantastic! I am loving the colors so far

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    1. Thank you, Krista. I am liking it more and more as I am working on it.

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  5. Hi Christiane. Thanks for your visit and your lovely comment. Not sure about the "famous" part but I did treat myself to some new brushes as a reward. Love new brushes. Now i will have no excuse for not painting! Our journey continues.

    Can't wait to see the finished "Piere". No pressure Chrisiane. Smile! I do think the top corner is so vibrant and colorful. It seems to me to be a wee little painting of it's own! Happy painting!

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    1. Ross, you ARE famous now:-) The next part of your art journey should be most interesting.
      I am working slowly, but surely, on "Pierre". I will try to post an update by the end of the week.
      Thank you for all your encouragement, Ross. It means a lot to me.

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  6. If the finish is anywhere near as exciting as the beginning this is going to be a terrific painting.

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  7. Thank you, Vicki. I like the painting so far, but I am not sure that the resemblance will be 100%. This is really like painting a portrait...and I am not a portrait painter:-(

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  8. It's coming along nicely Christiane! I will enjoy following your progress on this guy.

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    1. Thank you, Laura. I will post an update today or tomorrow.

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  9. Looking good, Christiane. I love the way you can mingle and blend you colors so softly...we'll all be watching.

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    1. Thank you so much, Mollie!I hope that I won't disappoint anyone:-)

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