Friday, November 28, 2014

Trader Sketch


 Trader Sketch 2, 5x7" watercolor study, ©Diane Mannion
A DAILYPAINTWORKS FB PICK OF THE DAY!  YAY!
Dress Rehearsals

Discovered another view of the Seminole Trader soon after I painted the last one.  This small, watercolor study is studio practice from my photo reference, memory, and imagination.  I'm hoping a few studies like these will help when I go back to the location.  These sketches are dress rehearsals for the "real" painting event, sort of how tennis players or golfers imagine playing well before the game.

I don't usually update my blog posts but couldn't help this!  A few hours later, painted another dress rehearsal and like it much more than the first.   The second sketch above was painted much faster.  The first below, took longer and I tightened up too much.  So one secret to watercolor must be... PAINT FASTER!  ( I have "Paint Faster, Stupid," engraved inside one of my paintboxes.)
Trader Sketch 1, 5x7" watercolor study, ©Diane Mannion

6 comments:

Susan said...

Hi, Diane. I like the composition in #1 best...all that rippling water, the boats, and the awesome Florida shoreline as seen from the water. I like the brighter light in #2, but I miss the yellow sky.

Joan S Peters said...

I love both studies. Bravo!

Diane Mannion said...

Thanks, Susan! Having to much fun with these sketches... I appreciate your comments! It's amazing how many paintings can be created from one old ugly boat.

Diane Mannion said...

Thank you Joan! So glad you like my little quick studies!

jacqueline wurn, friend of Melissa Stuart said...

I have to agree with the artist. The top "quickie" draws my eye with it's great contrast and simplicity, but at the same time it's very sophisticated and has a lot of detail and suggested movement with the sides of the boats, the shadows, the way the colors change in the trees. I'm going to ask you to be my friend on FB.

Diane Mannion said...

Thank you, Jacqueline! I agree, the fast one is better. And thanks for being my friend on FB.