Thanks to the online class taught by Vinita Pappas, I tried some new techniques for last month's homework. Vinita's demo was on using masking fluid for a wintery, snowy scene. I know, masking fluid is usually something to try to stay away from, better to plan ahead for those whites. I haven't used it for years, since my commercial art days. It didn't come in handy for me much then either. So I wasn't even sure my jar of it was still good. Most of it had made itself into a big ball in the jar. I tested the little bit left and it worked! Vinita's reference was a beautiful and busy, wooded, snowy, very cold-looking creek in Oregon. She used some masking fluid to define some snow and branches. It was really fun to try something different. I won't be seeing any scenes like this in Southern California. This piece is 8x10".
The December "challenge" in the class was to use only two complementary colors. I chose a photo of mine of the coastline looking north from the Point Fermin Lighthouse park in San Pedro. I used French Ultramarine Blue and Red Ochre which I thought might give me some good darks when mixed. This piece is 5x7".
Both of these are fabulous but the winter scene is extra special. I use masking fluid all the time. It seems to add that sparkle that I lose if I don't. Lucky you to still be continuing with Vinita's course. Enjoy!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura! That winter scene was kind of hard to mess up I think! The posted pieces were very nice. Vinita always has great ideas to keep us busy!
DeleteI can relate to the winter scene. It looks like Connecticut right now! And it is amazing what you did with two colors--beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan, I really appreciate your nice comments!
DeleteDear Sherry - this is truly lovely - the colors you chose worked well. I too am not crazy about masking but it can really give some variety and also the freedom of not worrying about saving the whites. Happy painting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Debbie! This lesson taught me that masking fluid can have its uses and that's good to know.
DeleteTwo really nice paintings Sherry, your woodland scene is particularly good especially as it is so foreign to your usual weather, the colour choices you made for your limited palette piece gave you some great variations
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine! I always love your comments!
DeleteThe winter scene is so different for you, and so well done. What an effective job the masking fluid does. And I think your two complementary colors created some great darks. Pretty scene. I miss Vinita's classes - she's such a good teacher, but I've branched into another direction.
ReplyDeleteThanks Terry! This really was fun to try and different for me. You sure have branched into your new direction!
DeleteI feel like you about masking fluid but strangely enough I have also been using it for some Winter scenes in my workshops and it does allow people to have a go at something they would normally shy away from and get a goog result too. This snow scene has worked well and also really like the seascape.. great colour choices.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your comments, Judith! Neat you also see some masking fluid good points! I sure had fun with it while hoping it would come off the paper as planned.
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