I have received a complaint that I don't fail. I do, I just don't post fails. Perhaps because of an inflated ego... So, here is my most recent fail. I tried painting an old town (borough) street scene. Lo and behold: it was meant to be a night scene. :D :D :D
After diligently drawing in pencil (guidelines and all the stuff) and then inking and then applying watercolour, it dawned to me that this (top) is far from a night scene. So, I began wondering. And feeling down. I realised that I have no clue how to paint night scenes. I checked some tutorials but my paints were already on the paper. Therefore, I added a layer of brown. And I ruined it.
I was quite content with the 'daytime' result. I also have to mention that this is drawn from imagination.
And as I watched the watercolour dry, it occurred to me that posting such experiences here would be very constructive. First of all, it shows that everyone fails. Secondly, it might be a sort of learning point for the self and the others through one's own reflections and through the feedback and opinions of the others.
As usual, any feedback and ideas are welcome. @monikozi
@monikozi well whatever you did it works for me as a night scene. Adding yellow onto the lights, darkening the paving and sky add to the effect plus the muted tones on the buildings.
I still wonder why we are our own harshest critics. I do not see a fail I see a successful learning experience.
@wakelys Susan, I really see your point. I don't mean to be harsh on myself. Of course the learning is much more valuable. But that does not make this a successful night scene painting. It just points out things I need to learn. Until this one, I never thought of painting night scenes. Even from this pov, this one is a success: it opened up another path. But again, the sketch itself does not render the feel of darkness. And I admit I am in the 'dark' (sic!) in this respect.
@monikozi i’m trying to see why you think it is a fail. I think the addition of that brown layer achieved exactly what you wanted to. The first one is day the second one is night. Making the street lights more yellow definitely gave the illusion of night time. The only thing that might’ve made it even more so would be more shadowing in the areas that were not illuminated by those lights. I’m not sure how you would do that but you are such a genius I’m sure you know how. At any rate I think both of these are remarkable . The fact that you painted this from imagination and not a tutorial speaks even more so to your talent.
@grammyn Thank you so much Katy! You are always so supportive. And so is all the gang. And I do appreciate it.
As for the night feel: I totally agree with you about lightning the lit parts and darkening the parts which are in shadow. But I have absolutely no idea which should be those. I had the brilliant thought of placing three bulbs on each post :D And as they are on wither sides of the trees, I have no idea how much would be in shadow and how much in light.
@jacqbb Yes, the atmosphere has changed, but to me it is not a night scene.
My son, however, perceived it as an evening / after sunset moment of the day. Not quite night.
@30pics4jackiesdiamond heheee... I did give it a lot of attention. As I said, i drew guidelines for the windows and pavement stones and everything.
As for the yellow splat, that was supposed to be a star. I abandoned the idea of adding more.
Imagine that the blue in the sky is actually Prussian blue. I am amazed at how bright it turned.
@kjarn Thank you Kathy. As a nameless sketch, I'm very satisfied with the result (the initial version). But from the night scene perspective that I was going for, it really is not a night scene.
I like the atmosphere created by darkening the scene and adding the yellow to the lamps. I also thought more of an evening scene than a full night scene @monikozi
@monikozi - it is not a complaint when someone tells you you don't or never fail. it's a high praise and compliment. nor these are ruined paintings. you are an inspiration and your skills are enviable. we are all so very lucky to be in this group as we learn together and from each other. i know i learn from everyone here. 😜
@salza That is good to know. I actually need a night scene and an evening scene as well... :D I don't know why I am doing this to myself. Nobody asked for this torment. :D
Thanks for the input.
@summerfield You are so right Vikki. I should be more thankful and grateful for the support I receive. But my hamster keeps spinning that wheel in my head. And sometimes it is hard to stop it. Little furry prick.
Actually I am grateful for all the encouragement and support I get here. Beside my best friend, you are the only people who see what I do. So I treasure any feedback I get. I don't mean to be ungrateful. I just have to learn to say 'thank you' more gracefully.
I am finding these watercolours from this 'gang' really inspiring as I 'struggle' with watercolour again having put it down for a number of years. Thankyou!
@ankers70 I'm so glad you get inspired by the gangsters' activity. Please go on struggling like the rest of us, and if you are comfortable, share what you do. And whatever you do, do not give up. Never compare but to yourself, and don't give up. Life is too short.
I still wonder why we are our own harshest critics. I do not see a fail I see a successful learning experience.
As for the night feel: I totally agree with you about lightning the lit parts and darkening the parts which are in shadow. But I have absolutely no idea which should be those. I had the brilliant thought of placing three bulbs on each post :D And as they are on wither sides of the trees, I have no idea how much would be in shadow and how much in light.
My son, however, perceived it as an evening / after sunset moment of the day. Not quite night.
As for the yellow splat, that was supposed to be a star. I abandoned the idea of adding more.
Imagine that the blue in the sky is actually Prussian blue. I am amazed at how bright it turned.
Thanks for the input.
Actually I am grateful for all the encouragement and support I get here. Beside my best friend, you are the only people who see what I do. So I treasure any feedback I get. I don't mean to be ungrateful. I just have to learn to say 'thank you' more gracefully.