If you fancy trying your hand at something a little bit different, take a look at this 'Abstract Bottles' painting.
In this project you actually get 2 paintings for the price of 1! However, depending on how you are for time, you might like to select one or the other.
Having said that...to get a real feel for the two different techniques it is a good idea to have a try of both so you can compare the different effects each one creates. So if you only get the chance to complete one of the paintings, do make sure you come back when you have more time to complete the other!
Although I will introduce you to a very basic way of using both techniques, these ideas can be used within more complex paintings. Understanding the basics will help you to create layers within your work that really add interest and detail.
In this project you have complete free reign over the size, scale, composition and use of colour ~ so feel free to experiment with your ideas.
In the first project I will talk you through how to build up your design and how to select transparent pigments (which we will use to layer our bottle shapes) which will allow the shapes to appear through several layers of paint.
You will practice mixing colour to achieve several different values (light to dark) and discover the effect of over-layering these values as you build up your design, adding colour to your bottle silhouettes.
In the second part of the project I will show you how to recreate your first design without even painting a single bottle shape! Instead of painting the actual bottles you will discover what happens when you paint the negative space instead!
Negative space is the term we use for the space that surrounds our silhouettes. Through layering you will discover how to build up your design to create a more abstract version of your original 'positive' shape design. This technique can be a little hard to get your head around to begin with but it's a great technique to have in your watercolour armoury, which you can pull out of the bag when the occasion calls!
To find out more about this project, take a look at this short video.
Remember you can experiment with this idea as much or as little as you would like! Here's an idea just using the silhouette of a Coca Cola bottle used as a repeat and lots of lovely transparent rainbow colours! Why not swap a drink bottle for your favourite perfume/cologne and create a piece that is as individual as you are!
I really look forward to seeing what you come up with in the members forum!
Happy painting!
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