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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!



Comments

  1. Beautiful gull painting, Celia and thanks for the tip.

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

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  3. Bonjour Celia,
    Ton oiseau est vraiment superbe! Bravo

    Je t'embrasse

    Manon

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  4. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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  10. 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.

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

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

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