Friday 17 December 2010

Little Miss Innocent......




 Little Miss Innocent


Pure Watercolour
Arches 140lb
Approx
20x 14in


I loved this photo I took of my little granddaughter Zahrah. She has a permanent look of "Butter wouldn't melt" on her face, but like so many at her age, she is an absolute little darling, with a little devilish spirit. She usually checks to see if you are watching her before attempting to touch something she shouldn't, which was when I captured her with my camera. Such a sweet innocence.

This was started a while ago but have only just had the chance to finish it, and was also the same photo I  used  for the demonstration I gave at my recent solo exhibition in the Kington Gallery. 

I have really fallen in love with painting portraits, but find I now feel that need to express more in my work, something I believe all artists go through and something I don't believe can be taught, although can be inspired.  I believe as artists we have to find our own way there through painting and experimenting. I wanted to play with colour, the colour I see in subjects that isn't always evident in that first glance, or is it perhaps just a case of getting braver, as we all err on the side of caution when we first start out. I find that as i'm progressing i'm instinctively pick up the colours and placing them very quickly, and could almost say without too much thought, or perhaps again it's just that I have more experience now. For me this usually ends up with a more saftisfying painting.

It seems so difficult at this time of year with the bad light, getting my work photographed properly. It has a touch  more colour in the face, but as often found with transparent watercolours, it's sometimes hard to capture that other than to see it in real life. You can click on the picture to see it larger  where I find it looks better than the smaller version.

10 comments:

Billie Crain said...

You nailed the innocent look, Stephie. This is SO sweet.

Stephie Butler said...

thanks so much Billy....Innocent she is not though, but still a real sweetie...

Virginia Floyd said...

Beautiful painting of your beautiful grandchild. I always admire watercolorist by what they leave out. How do you know where to leave the white?

Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. I really appreciate your thoughtful words.

Ann Buckner said...

Stephie, you painted her beautifully. Love those gorgeous eyes and the soft full lips.

Want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a terrific New Year.

Dhiraj Deka (D.D) said...

What a splendid water colour work. Beautiful portrait. The eyes & lips are nicely captured.

Wish you & your family a very Happy Christmas.

hmuxo said...

You captured the innocence of your Granddaughter..in her face. She's a beautiful little girl...work well done.!

Stephie Butler said...

Virginia.....Thank you so much for stopping by here, it was a pleasure to visit your blog and see your wonderful work...

It's hard to say how I decide to leave the white. Often it's what attracts me first to a particular photo or subject. The way the light catches it in certain places...You need to exaggerate it even more though I think to make it effective, and trapping it with darks if it fits the subject will give it even more impact....

Stephie Butler said...

Hi Ann.......Thank you so much, and I hope you had a great Christmas too...All the best for 2011....

Stephie Butler said...

Many thanks D.D... All the best for the New Year, hope your wishes all come true...

Stephie Butler said...

Thank you so much hmuxo.....Appreciate you stopping by and commenting....Best wishes for 2011

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