Sunday, April 3, 2011

WIP IV - Butterfly

I am still working on the leaves.  There are things that I would do differently if I had more time and I just might redo this one later.  I am hoping to get started on the star of the show very soon.
It is also time to post a 2nd quarter giveaway and I will do that once I have finished this project.  I haven't forgotten!

9 comments:

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

So enjoyed viewing this WIP - a wonderful subject and composition. Very brave dark background really works. Can't wait to see the detail of the butterfly emerge!

Vicki Greene said...

Thanks Joan!

Barbra Joan said...

Vicki I am always intrigued by how you get that dark background and leaving the subject untouched .. In your March28 post your butterflies are gray.. I am self taught and struggle with watercolor.. (God forbid I should give it up!! ) so I am always learning.. by the way it is going to be beautiful ...

Vicki Greene said...

Thanks Barbra Joan! I used masking fluid to block off the leaves and butterfly so that I could put layers of paint on the background quickly and not have to paint around the subject. There are many brands but I use Pebeo Drawing Gum. Make sure that your paper is completely dry before putting it on or taking it off. Don't dry your painting with a blow dryer or put it in the sunlight when you have masking on it. Try not to leave it on longer than 2-3 days. You will have hard edges when you remove the masking but you can soften and adjust as you paint. If you have any questions, just ask and I will try to help.

debwardart said...

Oh, the patience you have with those butterfly bushes! It's coming along nicely.

RH Carpenter said...

Those flowers are gorgeous! And the bg is working well. You're gonna have to come up a winner on the butterflies now because you've given us so much already :)

Vicki Greene said...

Thanks so much Deb & Rhonda! Thanks Rhonda for that bit of added pressure - lol.

Christiane Kingsley said...

This is soooo beautiful! Your flowers are perfect! I love the shadows that you are putting on the leaves. Wow! This is going to be a very special painting!

Vicki Greene said...

Thanks so much Christiane!