Woodland studies

 

Watercolour studies

Contrast and Pattern

Although I work in a realistic style 

the abstract elements of any project 

are uppermost when choosing

how to interpret a subject.

Here the morning mists 

were lifting over a wet marshland 

leaving the dead trees 

in stark contrast 

to the surrounding wetland.

In this second watercolour...

again the subject is old trees.

The dark and moody oaks

 line a roadway

against a background 

of filtered light and

youthful undergrowth.

 In the first I concentrated on keeping the background 

loose and airy as a contrast 

to the twisted and stark, dead willows.

In the second 

there is a less obvious contrast  

between the old oaks

which are almost overwhelmed

by the lively background.

The overall pattern is held in place

 by the direct roadway 

leading into the distance.

Setting compositional challenges 

brings an extra dimension 

to your interpretation of a subject

and is the beginning 

of developing a personal style.

Positive / Negative Space

This poor old bush struggling for survival, 

at first appeared to be a rather uninspiring subject. 

However after some cropping 

and further thought 

I started to see an idea emerge.....

the interplay of positive /negative use of space.

In the top half of the sketch 

I used the traditional 

light (leaves) against dark (background).

While on the bottom half 

the shadowy darks play against the light reflections.

I worked on a midtone pastel paper 

with watercolour pencils and crayons 

to enhance the contrast.

Although as I review this post
I think perhaps the cropped photo 
is more successful than the sketch.
In the photo the bright greens 
allow the top to be slightly more dominant 
giving the eye a place to rest 
whereas in the sketch
both halves are equally strong
making it somewhat unsettling.

Such is life!