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Sycamore Leaf

Sycamore Leaf
 watercolor painted on Daler Rowney paper
10" x 7"/  25 x 17cm.

 Fall is coming slowly but I loved this dead leaf I found lying by the river bank surrounded by moss. 

 I started this painting plein air and finished working on it at home.I build up the layers over my wet into wet sketch. I used salt in the background  and negative painting in order to try and recreate the effect of the moss.


 Work in progress drying in the sun. 
I like to work from life as much as possible, the colors are always more vibrant.

My photo reference, I love the bright moss color against the earth tones.

Thank you for stopping by!
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Comments

  1. Lorraine Brown29 October 2013 at 19:25

    Wonderful leaf Celia and I love seeing the real leaf against that moss

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  2. Joan Tavolott29 October 2013 at 19:52

    Oh, your texture on the moss is wonderful!!! Love the vibrant color of the leaves contrasted with the moss. This is really lovely!

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  3. Diana29 October 2013 at 20:52

    So beautiful Celia, love it and I can almost smell the earth and leaves!! love it. love,Diana

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  4. Jane29 October 2013 at 23:58

    Dear Celia. Your painted leaf is definitely more beautiful than the real thing, such gorgeous colors ! The hint of blue is just perfect , and you recreated the moss very well !

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco30 October 2013 at 10:26

      You are too generous with me Jane, thank you!

      Delete
  5. Helen H Trachy30 October 2013 at 00:12

    Beautiful fall colors Celia! I could start a collection of these leaves right now... Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco30 October 2013 at 10:27

      I love this time of year. Thank you for your kind comment!

      Delete
  6. Karen Johnston Daily Paintings30 October 2013 at 09:11

    Hi Celia...love the leaf and with the salt background!! I used to use salt when I did silk painting, I love the effects. Thanks for the lovely comments on my blog, it's great to meet a new blog friend:)

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco30 October 2013 at 10:28

      Thank you for the visit and for the nice comment!

      Delete
  7. Judy30 October 2013 at 10:04

    You definitely made the leaf more beautiful than real life, Celia! The salt effect is perfect for the moss!

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    1. Celia Blanco30 October 2013 at 10:29

      I don't normally use salt and was worried it wouldn't come out well. You are far too nice, thank you for sweet comment!

      Delete
  8. Barbra Joan30 October 2013 at 13:35

    Love your fall painting especially that I don't get to see many changes of color here in Florida. Thanks for sharing and a special thank you for coming to visit my blog..
    Barbra Joan

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco31 October 2013 at 11:04

      It's not such a bad trade-off for you Barbra! Thank you for the visit!

      Delete
  9. Debbie Nolan30 October 2013 at 16:53

    Celia - what a lovely leaf - your colors are so much more stunning than the photo. I like the blues I see. There is something about painting from life versus a photo. Just beautiful. Hope you are having a wonderful fall day.

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  10. hmuxo31 October 2013 at 03:41

    Fall is full of so many beautiful colors, Celia... and you have put so many beautiful colors in this leaf.... well done!!

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  11. Tito31 October 2013 at 11:08

    Wonderful leaf Celia, I like the vibrant color of the leaf contrasted with that of the background. Ciao!

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  12. Watermarycolors1 November 2013 at 09:40

    Un trabajo estupendo Celia, la hoja tiene todos los colores del otoño! un abrazo! :)

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  13. Wendy Barrett2 November 2013 at 11:02

    You've done a beautiful painting Celia! The colours are very lush. I love how you interpreted the background mosses. I also love your photos!

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  14. Catharina Engberg3 November 2013 at 18:00

    It is a lovely study of autumn colours. The orange is beautyful!

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  15. Laura Leeder4 November 2013 at 16:28

    Celia, I love your color and design choices, this leaf really comes to life!

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  16. Laura5 November 2013 at 09:30

    Celia it is always lovely to see how another artist works through the problems and puzzles that creating a finished piece give us. You seem to work like I do in part. Starting with an idea, laying the foundations and then building from there and working with what is happening on the paper. Your leaf turned out beautiful and what a lovely memory for you of an autumnal day spent painting.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco7 November 2013 at 10:34

      Thank you for the comment Laura. I'm happy to know you find similarities in how you approach your paintings too, I might be doing something right.

      Delete
  17. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com5 November 2013 at 23:47

    You certainly made this more beautiful that the real leaf. That is an artist's job and gold star is coming your way.
    thanks for the lovely comment on my blog.

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco7 November 2013 at 10:35

      You are very generous with your time and comment, Julie! Thank you!!

      Delete
  18. art by Michael Perchard12 November 2013 at 23:04

    Celia,
    Your beautiful leaf painting is so much better than the original! And both are stiking! I also love the fact that you posted the original leaf next to your wonderful work! Bravo! (Love your fall paintings! Love the changing seasons! Today we had a first little snowfall! Yippee!)
    Take care my friend!
    Michael

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    Replies
    1. Celia Blanco13 November 2013 at 09:51

      Thank you Michael!! It thrills me to know that you like my painting! I do love the changing seasons and am looking forward to winter. Lucky for you that you have warmed up in the Caribbean before it arrives! :-)

      Delete
  19. Unknown13 November 2013 at 13:02

    This piece is so artistic. The colors and shadows are truly exquisitely painted, Celia. Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete

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