Crafters’ corner 2021

@Snorky85 when I want to learn about something, I try to see if there's any videos on YouTube, i learnt a lot about card making on there.

 

Thanks @Logan I just got sick to death of all the music and adverts on the tutorials on youtube. Books should arrive tomorrow with amazon prime

 

That's ok I didn't know what those videos were like. We have Amazon prime it's great to have.

 

I understand the frustration of wondering what to draw.

when the books arrive, I’m guessing that they will suggest you use reference photos. If you are on Facebook, there are a number of groups where photographers post their photos, normally sorted into themed albums. Each group has rules on how these can be used, but basically, they ask that if you display/sell the painting, you credit the photographer. I can pm you some of the groups I find very useful, if that’s of help...

 

Hi Sian, That would be great thank you. I guess that was the problem with the fox...I didn't really know what subject I wanted to paint and in what style. I think this will all help me to develop my own style and techniques.

 

Books have just arrived! Looking forward to having a go later.

 

Hi @Victoria Ive just done this watercolour. It's gone a bit wrong in places where I've had too much wet on my brush but my main problem is the "background" colouring. Would you do a light wash over the whole page first or fill in the gaps?! I uses the masking fluid to do the hosta leave etc where the bottom of the picture is black, but it's difficult to be intricate around the upper details of the plant/between the stalks etc. Any suggestions?

 

Snorky, I think you have done exceptionally well here ... you found depth! I like the theme. I would add a little shadow of the plants on the foreground to "level it off". The background, yes, it is just not there! I would "sandwash" "rag roll" effect it in perhaps a cream colour and take the foreground back so the plants are sitting on a table so to speak. Overall ... very well done.

I have just ordered these to try out ...

18 Colours Acrylic Paint Metallic Paint Marker Pens Set Waterproof DIY Art Craft

Water-based, can be wiped off
Can be painted on walls, glass, ceramics, stone, plate, etc.

 

For a moment I thought "what ads?", then I realized that ages ago I have installed on my browser something called AdBlocker, which must be working well because I even forgot they are so common on youtube.
This said, perhaps it is a good thing to use books instead and just spend time working on your paintings.
While there are no doubt many artists on youtube, and good teachers too, they are under pressure to make videos which generates many views. The result is often geared more towards entertaining the curious, rather than helping people really wanting to learn.

Being curious too, I browsed the thread, your paintings are very nice and I think your techniques are improving over time!

 

Ah thanks so much for the tips @Victoria Im going to have another go at it tomorrow. I wasn't sure about doing a wash because i thought it might run when I painted on top of it. I guess it takes a while to get the right amount of water on the brush.

let me know how those pens work-will be interested in them if you think they are any good.

thanks @Aldo , the books I ordered have been really useful so far. I'm just trying to work out my own "style". Great to know you think I'm improving

 

Had chance for a quick doodle on a bit of scrap paper this morning. I think I am in love with this camel. So cute

 

"steady and dignified"

 

Haha, I like that one Snorky, made me smile! I think you're making some good progress there, don't forget that being increasingly critical of your work is a positive thing overall, people that just start don't notice these little details or see any issues at all, so it's a good indication that you are moving forward and developing a sharper eye IMO.

Nick

 

Thanks, I'm not offended by criticism at all-actively seeking it as it's the only way to improve. I've just loved doing these camels this morning.

 

Ooh, I love "Steady and Dignified"! I would cut him out and put him in a little frame ... including a bit of the flower he is sniffing.