The sketchy and inconsistent blog of Bethie Engstrom...

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Arctic prayer

Medium: watercolors

Finally pulled out the paints after a three month break (this being the second one I've done, the first is hardly noticeable - nothing in it holds any value but I might post it sometimes - learning by mistakes is the best way to move forward!) - I'm still using student quality watercolors (except for one tube of Danial Smith Brunt Sienna that I use in the blanket) so trying to get the look I want is a challenge - but a interesting one as well, I feel myself growing with each new breakthrough that I encounter. =P

Feel free to critique this - I want feed back and even though all of your wonderful comments of how you like what I've done is great and all that (makes me smile) I would also love it if you had something to share, either the way you work your way through something or if you have something that could help me along.

Merry Sunday!

Merry Sundays to you all!

19 comments:

Denise said...

Oooo I really love it.The title too :)

Unknown said...

I agree, great title. I wish I had some creative criticism to give, but I'm only just starting my artful journey. I love what you've done here. You've really captured the wind and movement well.

Anonymous said...

this is amazing, just beautiful, she is truly lovely

Tammie Lee said...

this is wonderful. I was drawn to it immediately. I love the colors and movement, the hair tie. Just wonderful. Always wonderful to feel oneself growing with their art.

Victoria said...

Wow..this is such a gorgeous piece..peaceful..serene and powerfully spiritual! It looks like it could be in a book with a beautiful poem to go with it!
Super-awesome!Everything from her hair flowing to her expression...wonderful!

PS:
I too allow each experience in painting to guide me and slowly teach me..it is a magical process and i am grateful for each thing I learn and how I shift and grow through each piece!!painting is pure bliss and a special journey i feel!
Shine on..you are a fabulous artist!!

Heather said...

every time we paint we learn something new...
i like this, it's got beautiful peaceful energy...i like how you achieved diff values with the folds on the robe...
i use windsor and newtons when i watercolor - i like those!
happy weekend to you!

Christine said...

it's beautiful!

Tracey FK said...

I think this is beautifully done... I love watercolours and changing to better quality watercolours was like a revelation for me... couldn't believe the difference in the pigments and how much more clear they were... having said that I use a koh-i-noor- watercolour wheel all the time and find that this is a great go to for everyday play... still has clear beautiful colour but not as permanent... I can't wait to see where you go with your watercolours because this is so lovely and I know it is going to enhance your already awesome drawing skills...xx

Unknown said...

Brilliant watercolour, I love the details you've put in, like the hair tie and the beads on her wrap. I'm still using student watercolours, will have to try some professional ones. I'm learning all the time..it's great :)

Unknown said...

This is perfect! Love it!

Gwen said...

I like that she is in a cold place but does not shiver. I cannot critique work...I just find I see a meaning and what a piece makes me think of. It is because i just love looking at art. In my view nearly all art is good if it comes from a good intention...This is actually lovely in its delicacy!!
I don't know if that helps!!!
Keep going, I would say you have a great talent:)
xx

carol l mckenna said...

Well, I love your style and simplicity ~ composition and colors are excellent and painting is filled with movement ~ only suggestion I have is to make one of your colors slightly stronger in value ~ (at least that is how it appears on my screen) so don't take my word for it ~ It is a wonderful watercolor ~ namaste, carol (A Creative Harbor)

Anonymous said...

I really like this painting :) Nice and soft.

Have a lovely Sunday!
Eva

m7 said...

i have no knowledge of the art techniques, so no criticism.
All i have to say is that your drawing is beautiful. love the colours u put in too. :)

Debbie said...

I'm not very experienced with water colors, but I know when I see something I like and your painting is really great!

Sabina said...

I hear ya--it can be rough getting back into painting after taking a break. I took an eight year hiatus and resumed painting a couple of years ago. It was so frustrating I almost gave up because I felt like a kid re-learning the Alphabet.

But I like your girl here--you really captured the cold weather and her thoughtfulness. I do think though if your finding the paints difficult to use, to switch to regular watercolors. There's nothing worse than tools that won't cooperate!

Alexandra MacVean said...

She's beautiful. Very. Nice work. Smooth and flowing.

Bethie Engstrom said...

Thank you all!!! =)

Hope said...

Amazing!!! I love how you do the hair. :)