The Great Art Debate

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Well, in that case, I've decided to do an animal portrait. I just hope that the fact my dog is the subject doesn't lead it into maudlin sentimentality, as Pencilbiter fears it will. As I said, it's a technical bake - I'm exploring if I can paint live subjects, and imbue 'emotion' into what is after all just paint.

[TANGODANCER]

Well, in that case, I've decided to do an animal portrait. I just hope that the fact my dog is the subject doesn't lead it into maudlin sentimentality, as Pencilbiter fears it will. As I said, it's a technical bake - I'm exploring if I can paint live subjects, and imbue 'emotion' into what is after all just paint.

I wouldn't be worrying about what governs public opinion since our works are hardly likely to be chin-strokers fodder in the National Gallery or the Tate. Paint for your own pleasure and don't worry about much else.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Well, in that case, I've decided to do an animal portrait. I just hope that the fact my dog is the subject doesn't lead it into maudlin sentimentality, as Pencilbiter fears it will. As I said, it's a technical bake - I'm exploring if I can paint live subjects, and imbue 'emotion' into what is after all just paint.

I wouldn't be worrying about what governs public opinion since our works are hardly likely to be chin-strokers fodder in the National Gallery or the Tate. Paint for your own pleasure and don't worry about much else.

But I'm afraid you've fired me up Tango. Right now, I'm wanting to be hanging chin-strokers, as you so aptly describe them. Life is short... aim for the top...

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

Well, in that case, I've decided to do an animal portrait. I just hope that the fact my dog is the subject doesn't lead it into maudlin sentimentality, as Pencilbiter fears it will. As I said, it's a technical bake - I'm exploring if I can paint live subjects, and imbue 'emotion' into what is after all just paint.

I didn't say that - I merely expressed my confidence in you and your ability recognise it if that does happen to be the result!

[TANGODANCER]

But I'm afraid you've fired me up Tango. Right now, I'm wanting to be hanging chin-strokers, as you so aptly describe them. Life is short... aim for the top...

Then in that case, do not forget a Vulcan bomber somewhere in the painting.

[Bruce Rioja]

But I'm afraid you've fired me up Tango. Right now, I'm wanting to be hanging chin-strokers, as you so aptly describe them. Life is short... aim for the top...

Then in that case, do not forget a Vulcan bomber somewhere in the painting.

That's the spirit, Tango.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Well, in that case, I've decided to do an animal portrait. I just hope that the fact my dog is the subject doesn't lead it into maudlin sentimentality, as Pencilbiter fears it will. As I said, it's a technical bake - I'm exploring if I can paint live subjects, and imbue 'emotion' into what is after all just paint.

I didn't say that - I merely expressed my confidence in you and your ability recognise it if that does happen to be the result!

No, no, I understand perfectly well what you meant. I'm afeared though, that the subject, in as amateurish hands as you can get, will, almost inevitably, lead me down that path. I hope to avoid it, but fear it is beyond my capability not to fall into the trap.

[TANGODANCER]

This is a quickish watercolour impressionist sketch of the Alhambra palace. The small dot in the sky, top/right/ is a passing Vulcan bomber that was warned off for entering Spanish air space.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

^ I've been reading a book last night by some fellow called Alwyn Somebodyorother " How to Paint using Watercolours". Very informative it is too. I note one or two techniques he mentioned right there in that watercolour, Tango.
Specifically:
1 the use of a sharp knife to scrape paint back to put white higlights in.
2 leaving white spaces between washes so you can put down more than one wash at once - thereby saving time.
3 using small dots in the sky to represent anything from condors to passing Vulcan bombers.

[thebish]

^ i think the small dots are dust spots on Tango's camera lens!

[TANGODANCER]

^ I've been reading a book last night by some fellow called Alwyn Somebodyorother " How to Paint using Watercolours". Very informative it is too. I note one or two techniques he mentioned right there in that watercolour, Tango.
Specifically:
1 the use of a sharp knife to scrape paint back to put white higlights in.
2 leaving white spaces between washes so you can put down more than one wash at once - thereby saving time.
3 using small dots in the sky to represent anything from condors to passing Vulcan bombers.

I used to look on any form of "technique" other than straightforward painting as cheating. I also have read several books on watercolour painting and it's amazing what some artists do. Sprinkling salt in some areas to give a gritty effect is just one. One I have adopted is using a light sandpaper in some places for lighter effect, a technique adapted by J.M.W Turner along with scraping with a knife etc. Another one I've learned is using a wet (or dry) brush to take paint off as well as to apply it. Dipping a toothbrush or stiff bristled brush in a colour and then flicking it over the paper for such effects as rain and snow is yet another well known method. Just go cautiously till you get the hang of it.

Like one artist said "It's your painting so do as you wish with it" I follow that maxim.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

well so far painting no2 is a right mess. I shall start again from scratch tonight.

[TANGODANCER]

well so far painting no2 is a right mess. I shall start again from scratch tonight.

It happens. Fresh start is always a good idea if you're not happy. Go for it.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

There's going to be some fun sorting this lot out: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/n ... any-police" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Lost Leopard Spot]

There's going to be some fun sorting this lot out: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/n ... any-police" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I think it's time to bang in a claim. I fancy a Chagall, if only to boost the pension pot...

[TANGODANCER]

Here's the finished version of the Alhambra sketch with tones and shadows applied and just a touch of detail.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

you took the vulcan bomber out. Bruce will be annoyed.

[TANGODANCER]

you took the vulcan bomber out. Bruce will be annoyed.

It flew off. It's the Spanish air-space thing Spotski. Relations are a bit strained right now over the Gibraltar issues.

[Lost Leopard Spot]

you took the vulcan bomber out. Bruce will be annoyed.

It flew off. It's the Spanish air-space thing Spotski. Relations are a bit strained right now over the Gibraltar issues.

At least you made up for it in the 'interest department' - I note over on the right you've added a prince in a red cloak climbing up Rapunzel's hair into her tower.

[TANGODANCER]

you took the vulcan bomber out. Bruce will be annoyed.

It flew off. It's the Spanish air-space thing Spotski. Relations are a bit strained right now over the Gibraltar issues.

At least you made up for it in the 'interest department' - I note over on the right you've added a prince in a red cloak climbing up Rapunzel's hair into her tower.

Quite clearly a flag on a pole Spotski (It does exist on the photograph I used)