Lily Pads - Value Study

Another interesting / fun homework... This is one of my favorite subjects too - Lily Pads.
One more study of a figure and then I will be done with my homework part. All images were provided by the teacher - Sarah Parks - her own paintings. Even though it was online class, I enjoyed the instructions a lot and every week there was critique provided by the teacher.

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Bouquet - Value Study

I did this study as part of Homework. The reference image was provided by the teacher - Sarah Parks. It looked very simple to do when I started. But turned out to be challenging, but fun to do. I am happy with the results..  

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Iris - Value Study

This study of Iris flower is done using pencils - 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B.

It looked very easy to do with just pencils, but it was quite a challenge to have correct values in grayscale. I think color study is much easier for me :) 

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Iris - Value Study

Dog Portrait Study

I am going back to basics, trying to learn drawing and sketching!! I am doing online class to refine my sketching skills. It is offered by Artist Network University and taught by Sarah Parks. I am second week into it and one of the challenge homework assignment was to sketch a dog portrait. So here is my study:

 

 

Here is original photo with final sketch:

Do you think I accomplished a likeness with the original photo?
I did it freehand since that's what I want to practice most. Using a grid it becomes much easier to draw and get exact likeness, but doing freehand is challenging for me.
I would appreciate if you have any feedback for me!!

Fall Colors - SOLD

Fall colors have always fascinated me. Now equipped with new watercolor paints (Maimeriblu professional watercolors), new watercolor brushes, an awesome new palette and masking fluid, I had the urge to try out couple different techniques. The techniques used in this are - masking and spreading salt. Below is the result:

Fall Colors - 9 x 12 inches, Watercolor on Archies paper

SOLD

Masking: the very bright areas in the painting were covered with masking fluid. At the very end, the masking was removed. On few areas I left the white of the paper as it is and that is the brightest in the painting. I did cover few areas with very watery paint so it doesn't appear as bright.
Salt: I used the simple cooking salt in few areas to create a texture. Different salts create fine or coarse texture and it also depends how wet the paper is when salt is sprinkled. In this case I got a fine texture. Next time I will try a different salt.
I had so much fun and reminded me of the silk painting techniques which are quite similar to watercolor painting techniques. 

Blue Wild Flower - SOLD

Today I was back in the mood of doing small painting and adding to my itty bitty collection. I checked before I started painting and did not have a blue flower. So here it is:

Blue Wild Flower - 3 x 3 inches, Oil on Canvas

SOLD

It is painted on wrapped canvas and does not need framing. It can be kept on a small easel or even used as Christmas ornament.

Below are others in this series:

Tulip Pink or Purple

Pansy

Wild Strawberry Bloom

Hibiscus - SunNShade

A flower from my backyard - Hibiscus in Sun and Shade.
I have 2 different colors of Hibiscus plants, this one is red and second one is Orange. Next time I paint Hibiscus flower, I will try the other one!

Hibiscus - SunNShade - 9 x 12 inches, Watercolor on Arches Paper