Enjoy life now... it has an expiration date.



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Portrait WIP's, Masking Fluid and Update on Colton








I'm working on a couple of portraits... the one at the top is a commission, the other is for advertising purposes as I continue to build my portrait business.

I've been doing some experimenting with different paints, papers and techniques (I love to experiment... I learn so much by playing :-).  In both of these portraits you'll see a lot of masking - using masking fluid, and also using plastic wrap and artist's tape to easily and inexpensively cover a large area. The masking bandwagon has been something I've been rather slow to get on, but after a lot of struggling (and disappointing results) to get the clear colors and seemingly effortless backgrounds that flow so beautifully as I've seen in other artist's work, I figured even if it took a lot of time it might be worth the effort. Guess what? It is! I was thrilled, relieved, happy (all of the above!) to find that the time I spent masking allowed me to have complete freedom with the backgrounds. It felt GOOD to float those yummy colors wherever I wanted them without having to worry about avoiding this or that or saving the whites. Previously I'd used a little masking fluid here and there, but not in large amounts. I see another trip to the art store in my immediate future for more masking fluid.

This watercolorist says "Hooray" for masking fluid!

Update on Colton... he's doing GREAT! Thanks to all of you for your concern, good wishes, prayers and thoughtful comments. All so deeply appreciated.

He now weighs 7 lbs 4 oz! Here's a recent pic of our sweet little bundle....

15 comments:

padmaja said...

Oh, Colton is so adorable, I am glad you can be with him and enjoy these lovely moments to be cherished for ever.. also happy that you are able to experiment with your art as well.Yes, masking fluid can help a lot if used wisely.

Unknown said...

Colton is adorable! Your masking techniques look very good! I use frisket film when I'm smudging my solvents around, but sometimes it sneaks through the fibers and gets under the film a bit. Might try your technique. The painting is lovely! I like how the colors are blended! Very effective!

Ann said...

Your portraits look great! I love the background you have happening in the bottom image. I still haven't quite got the hang of masking fluid, so I'll be watching your progress!

And Colton is so precious! I'm happy to hear he is doing well.

Candy said...

Colton is growing like crazy! I'm so happy for all of you!

You've got a good start on the protraits. I like masking fluid, too. It does make it a lot easier to save your whites. There are times when I just don't feel like thinking that much:)

Kathy A. Johnson said...

It's wonderful to see Colton doing so well. And to see your continued work. Looks like you've been busy experimenting, too. It's great to find a new tool to make your artistic life better.

Jan said...

That's looking great, Teresa! I like masking fluid as long as I either want hard edges or can soften them later. Most of the time it's indispensable if you want to save the whites.

Colton looks so sweet and he's really growing!

Jo Castillo said...

Teresa, Colton is really growing! Your painting is great. I will be checking in for watercolor tips this summer! Hugs.

Claire M said...

So fun to get a behind the scenes peek at your latest portrait, and what you've been doing with masking.

Also, I'm delighted to hear that Colton is doing well. He is sure a cute little guy!

Mermaid's Palette said...

What a sweet baby! I am glad you had such success with the masking fluid- sometimes I like it and sometimes I find it terribly sticky and frustrating!

knittingdragonflies said...

Colton is precious!!!
Masking!! wow!! Looks hard! but I love the results!
Take care
vicki

Debbie Nolan said...

Teresa - Colton looks so sweet - what a blessing of joy I am sure! You gave me a good kick in the pants to use masking fluid - I avoid it generally as well but you are so right you don't have to worry about saving the white of the paper so much. Have a wonderful week-end.

hmuxo said...

Your watercolor is coming out beautifully, Teresa!! I look forward to seeing it finished....and thank you for update on Colton!! SO handsome!!!

my little cottage said...

nice post thanks for sharing ...looking for to visit more blessings

my little cottage said...

lovely! and so innocent i love kids! thanks friend for following i do to ...dont now what happened with these cliches on my blog i follow others and my picture dont show up ill keep trying but im following now too..blessings from the netherlands

my little cottage said...

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