Well, never one to make things easy.....I decided to try and do a video of me working as a 'step by step'. I knew I had the technology, just wasn't sure if I had the brain power :) It started as a bit of fun but rapidly turned into a challenge - I do believe it took me as long to try and work out the finer points of making the video as it did to paint the picture. I burnt the supper twice this week.
I hope you can spare a few minutes to watch and I would really appreciate hearing what you think (good, bad or indifferent!). I am not convinced it was worth the effort (did I mention the effort?) but perhaps windows movie maker gets easier with familiarity.
This is a painting of a ural owl from the Black Isle Wildlife Park and here is a non-moving version. I hope you like it:
'Ural Owl' © Tracy Hall 2008. Watercolour on Arches 6.5" x 4.5" .20% donation to Cascades Raptor Center, Oregon
If the video above isn't working, here's the link to You Tube: Owl Painting in watercolour
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22 comments:
Bravo! You did a great job with this video; It is a beautiful piece and it was fascinating watching you work. I was amazed to see that the owl is basically built up with all dry brush stroke, no underwashes at all.
So here are my 2 questions; how long did it take you to paint the piece and...(as I get ready to duck my head to avoid the water pot flung at me from overseas)are you going to try adding audio next time too? :-D
~Great job Tracy~
Kim
Your video was well worth the effort. I love your blog which I view regularly and your paintings are wonderful. I paint but no where near as well as you so your video was very interesting to me. Thankyou
It is a great video - I was a bit disconcerted at first by the lack of sound, but stopped fiddling with my controls and just watched! I am traumatized by how small your brush is, but enjoyed watching as you worked it like very sharp coloured pencils.
I saw the timer and wasn't sure I would sit through 8+ mins, but found the time flew. I loved it and appreciate the effort that went into doing this - just surprised you didn't burn more suppers, lol!
Great video Tracy and very inspirational. Lots of folk will be picking up their brushes after they see how you work your magic! Hope to enjoy lots more :-)
Thanks so much for watching it!
Kim - the painting took about twelve hours. Unfortunaley the video took about the same:)
Marion - thank you very much for your lovely comments and I'm so pleased you enjoy the blog!
Kari - I'm relieved you stuck with it, sorry it is long. I should have cut more out. (My husband took over supper the last few nights or I would probably have burnt them too!).
Anon - thats really kind of you, thanks for stopping by!
Ok I guess there should have been sound of some sort - you only need duck Kim if you are suggesting I actually speak! The very thought!
I enjoyed watching the owl come to life so much. Your work is inspirational anyway and at first thought this video would make me pick up a brush right away, although I know anything I might try could never reach your expertise!!
I'm looking forward to more!
I thought your video was great, watching how you work and you owl coming to life was a treat indeed, made me almost want to try watercolours again.... The only I would say like everyone else a bit of commentary would of been nice,but I dont think it is essential. Thanks for sharing it with us.
You're very brave and very clever to have done this piece while being filmed. It was good to see your process bit by bit and I learned a lot from it.
Yes, I agree that some commentary on what you were doing - washes, brushes, palette, etc. could be good. I also know that is nigh on to impossible to paint and talk at the same time! :)
Thanks for letting me look over your shoulder. When is the next demo? :)
Go burn another dinner, is what I say!! Great stuff Tracy.
April
I made my coffee extra hot so I could sip it while viewing your video... It went stone cold: I was mesmerized...!
Thank you for sharing.
Really interesting to see you use your brush like a pencil. (There may be hope for me yet:))
Thanks, Lucy, Vic, Jeanette and April - I'm so pleased (and releived!) that you all liked it, thanks so much for letting me know and I'll keep all your thoughts in mind if I ever try again. Wondering if I could get close enough in on a miniature...now that really might be pushing my luck!
Sheona, sorry about your coffee!
I've added some music now, hope that goes some way to making it more bearable :) Talking will never happen...
Great work and great to watch, Grahame
I enjoyed very much watching your video, it's really well done! Thank you so much for sharing with us! I also LOVE the waterlily!
Many thanks for your feedback, Graham and Theresa, I so pleased you liked it :)
I am new to your blog, and am just discovering your amazing artwork! All I can say about the video is I am speechless! I have the UPMOST respect for watercolor artists, because I took a class when I was young and learned then that it is so unforgiving. I took the "easy" road and took up oils, so if I don't like something I can scrape it off or paint over it. What you are doing laughs in the face of the word "mistake"....there are NONE. It is instead a piece of sheer perfection, and I am in awe. I loved watching you create something so spectacularly beautiful, and so perfectly executed.
Marie
Tracy, thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work in the video. Can you share with us the brushes you use ... also, what "white" do you use? Thanks, you are such an inspiration.
Thank you Marie, thats so kind. Nancy, I use kolinsky sables from Rosemary & Co and Windsor & Newton series 7 miniatures. But whatever the make, as long as its got a good point and can hold a decent amount of paint it works for detail. Sables tend to keep that point longer than cheaper ones.
For the white - chinese white is ok, but titanium white is a bit more opaque. It depends what your want to do with it. I hope that helps.
Your work is inspirational and brilliant. Thank you for showing how you work!
Tracy,
Your owl is STUNNING!!!
Ruth
I was enthralled with your video. I enjoyed every second of it. It made me want to try watercolor in this way. Thank you so much for going through the work to put this together. I'm sorry you burnt your supper.
I love your work, it is amazing! Blessings to you, and have a great Sunday!!!
I was totally enchanted by your painting video. Thank you.
Fascinating to watch you work and that tiny brush.......wow! You get such beautiful detail in your work.
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