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A Gull


 A Gull
watercolor on Fabriano Artistico paper
29,5 x 22 cm
NFS


I belong to an on-line art group where each member takes turns providing photo inspiration for a monthly challenge. I am late on my contribution for January. I like the opportunity to work from another person's point of view because it pushes me to look outside of my comfort zone. Not having much practice painting animals, this gull is exactly what I had in mind.



My work in progress, almost finished.

I approached the painting  following a watercolor tip provided by Angela Fehr. One of her many suggestions to stay loose in watercolor is to not obsess over details. A great way of doing this is to work from a photo on your phone.  Add the fact I can't see anything small without reading glasses... I have surely uncovered a wonderful approach to a loosening up my style. I really focused on just the broad shapes whiled choosing to emphasize the beak where all the action lies.

 I did remember to put them back on when looking at my finished painting!

Thank you for the visit!



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Comments

  1. catherinemjohnson.com9 February 2016 at 13:15

    Beautiful gull painting, Celia and thanks for the tip.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wendy Barrett9 February 2016 at 14:14

    LOVE the outcome Celia! A good trick to keep your reference photo small!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Manon,Stéph♡Mia9 February 2016 at 15:24

    Bonjour Celia,
    Ton oiseau est vraiment superbe! Bravo

    Je t'embrasse

    Manon

    ReplyDelete
  4. juliefordoliver.blogspot.com9 February 2016 at 20:10

    So...simple shapes first? - YES! It worked for you beautifully.
    I love the eye, it is so real and yet not tight at all.
    Your "Celia colors" still come through and they are lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jane9 February 2016 at 20:15

    I really love your sea gull, can almost hear him screaming ! Great subject and you really did him justice !

    ReplyDelete
  6. Salty Pumpkin Studio9 February 2016 at 22:23

    Good painting! You've capture the personality of a screeching gull perfectly. I agree with Jane, I also "can almost hear him screaming!"

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joan Tavolott9 February 2016 at 22:30

    That is a good idea for not seeing the details. It worked well for you. This is really nice!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Debi Hinshaw10 February 2016 at 01:10

    Good painting Celia, you captured your seagull making some noise! I like you tip about not wearing glasses when you paint!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. hmuxo10 February 2016 at 20:04

    Excellent painting of this gull....good expression!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Christiane Kingsley11 February 2016 at 02:59

    Beautiful seagull, Celia! I will have to try painting from a photo on my cell phone...I usually try to put too many details in my watercolors.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Helen H Trachy12 February 2016 at 12:51

    Well done Celia! Loose and realistic. We should all remove our glasses once in a while. :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Carmella Tuliszewski29 February 2016 at 14:22

    So much energy here! I especially love how you handled the background.

    ReplyDelete

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