Friday 7 December 2012

The Leas, Sheppey.

As you can see, I have finally painted the beach scene (promised in my recent 'Moody Sheppey' post). Partly from Rita's encouragement, I have stayed with watercolour rather than my original intention of using acrylics. Watercolour takes on more of a life of its own giving a greater feeling of spontaneity but at the expense of a degree of control - you can see that the dark reflections have bled into the wet wash a bit too much (especially with the middle poles). I think I was too impatient to put these in and needed to let the wash dry for a few more moments. But I am pleased with the sparkle effect which helps to provide extra contrast with the distance. This was achieved by leaving the whole thing to dry off completely then rubbing lightly over the surface in places, with some fine-grade sandpaper. The best part of painting this though, was that it took me right back to the day I was there. I could still see in my mind flocks of Brent Geese in the distance and Sanderlings on the tideline (both of which you'll just have to imagine!). Plus of course, the aura of rather dull winter light that we get here in England this time of year.


40 comments:

  1. Oh my word, this is beautiful. You really have done an outstanding painting here Jerry. I think the reflections are perfect. Have a great weekend.

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  2. Beautiful painting Jerry, absolutely beautiful.

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    1. Cheers Bob, have you ever been there? You would take some wonderful photographs there!

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  3. Watercolour fantastic, dear Jerry!
    Colour, drawing, atmosphere, composition,reflections .. VERY WELL DONE!
    It seems to me to be there!
    I'm so happy for this discovery of the watercolour art within you!
    Have nice week end with your lovely family!
    Rita.

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    1. Thanks for all your encouragement Rita - I hope you have a great weekend too.

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  4. you've done this beautifully jerry ...super subject and ref

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    1. Thank you Jane. I've tried to use a more 'fuid' style but it's not up to your level of skill and expertise.

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  5. Wow, Jerry, it's a beautiful painting! The water and the reflections are great!

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  6. Absolutely brilliant water colour Jerry.You have managed to convey the winter light perfectly, and using the fine sand paper to expose the paper really does have the effect of sparkling water.The colours are beautiful, and I would be so proud if I had painted this.
    Warmest Regards
    Sonjia

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    1. You are so very kind with your comments Sonjia, thank you.

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  7. Beautiful painting Jerry! The reflections of the sky and poles in the water and wet sand, the weathered look of the poles, the color of the sky all work to bring the mood of the painting together. And thanks for sharing the sandpaper trick, my mission today is to find a piece and practice sparkling.

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    1. Thanks Jude, hope you enjoy trying the sandpaper thing!

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  8. Maravillosa acuarela, Jerry. Esa marea baja y esos maderos surgiendo de la arena son fantásticos. Has recogido plenamente la atmósfera de las playas del norte, tan diferentes del Mediterráneo. Enhorabuena.

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    1. Francesc, I have only ever seen the fabulous Mediterranean coast in the Summer but yes, I am sure that they rarely, if ever look as bleak as ours in the Winter!

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  9. Absolutely beautiful. Love the reflections and the way you have captured the winter light. Very atmospheric.

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  10. It really is beautiful Jerry. It makes me wish so much that I could draw. You have captured the time of year so perfectly. I'm sure if I was able to produce a lovely piece like this I would never dare to take sandpaper to it....but it worked so well :-)

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  11. Hi Jerry!
    Absolutely stunning painting
    Have a nice sunday!
    /Ingemar

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  12. OH MY GOSH, Jerry!!! This is Outstanding!! I truly thought it was a photo. I love the light, reflections and subtle colors....LOVE IT!!!

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    1. Thanks very much for you kind comments Hilda, I'm delighted that you like it so much.

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  13. Hola Jerry. ¡Mi enhorabuena por tan excelente acuarela! El colorido es muy bello. Además has resuelto toda la obra con gran maestría. Es muy interesante el efecto que has logrado con el papel de lija.
    Un abrazo :)

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    1. Hola Sonia! I am extremely flattered that you like my painting! Seeing the paintings that artists such as yourself demonstrate on your own blogs, I hope is helping me to simplify my style and to emphasise the essence of what I want to portray. So thank you for all your encouragement and inspiration!
      Un abrazo.

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  14. Jerry, this is really stunning, and thanks for 'revealing' the trick about the sandpaper...I didn't know that one. And you know, I wouldn't have noticed any flaws unless you mentioned it, I think we sometimes are very severe with ourselves, the work is absolutely gorgeous !

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    1. Glad you liked the sandpaper trick Jane - obviously it only works on fairly rough paper. I find it a good alternative to dry-brush technique where you want some white paper to show through. Thanks too for your lovely comments.

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  15. me encanta esa visión solitaria de la playa, técnicamente ne parece perfecta y evocadora.
    muchas gracias por tu comentario en mi blog.
    saludos

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    1. Thanks Aurora I'm pleased that you understood the atmosphere I was trying to convey.

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  16. This is a beautiful depiction of wet sand Jerry. I love the perspective as well.

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  17. Jerry this is superb. The sparkle at the front is spectacular. It probably steals the show but it also leads the eye further in. Beautifully painted all round even the shadows. They give the painting a touch of abandon and looseness that possibly may not have been there otherwise. Thanks for the sandpaper tip. I hope this is going on a wall somewhere. Merry Christmas to you and yours and best wishes for 2013. Take care. xx

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    1. Thanks for such lovely comments Laura especially as I've been trying to get a bit more freedom into my painting. Merry Christmas to you too - I can't wait to see more of your superb growing portfolio in 2013!

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  18. Oh, my gosh, Jerry! The wet sand and water are WONDERFUL. I dabble with watercolor occasionally... I love the way it is an interactive process... you and the watercolor... Excellent work... and that it brings the memory of this moment so crisply to your mind, perfection. blessings ~ tanna

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    1. Thanks Tanna, you are so right about the interactive process. I find I can never be very certain as to how it's all going to work out! Have a wonderful Christmas celebration.

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  19. Hello Jerry:)
    Being uncertain as to whether you intended to post again before Christmas,
    I thought it best to just come over, to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
    All the best.
    Sonjia.

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  20. Thanks so much Sonjia and a very Happy christmas to you too. I hope to get another post in but as is the way this time of year we are quite busy.

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