Originally sketched from the model at a life drawing session, I later redid this drawing using watercolor sticks (which are pure pigment in the shape of a crayon). The sticks work just like watercolor applied with a brush: when I touched the lines with a damp brush, the colors bled into each other, producing a soft edge. Next I added some orange, red,and black opaque watercolor (gouache) and used a stencil to produce the markings near the forehead.
I was happy with the impressionistic look of the painting and entered it into a local juried show. The result? It was not accepted. But I’m glad that I did not let that set-back stop me, because (to make a long story short) this painting will be featured in the December issue of Watercolor Artist Magazine!
For those who are in the area, at noon on Saturday, October 21st I will be demonstrating this technique at the Daniel Smith Store in Redmond, WA.
That’s a cool story. Thanks for your encouraging words. I always enjoy your work and your blogs.
Loved the story and glad you didn’t stop with the local submission.
This is typically what can happen to writers too.
Great story. Thanks for sharing. You were the last artist that I thought would ever be rejected!
You showed them! Your “reject” will be shown to the whole world now.
Loved the article in Watercolor Artist! Would love to take a workshop. I live in Nebraska. I’m interested in your worshop schedule. Would love to see you come to the Midwest!
That would be great — maybe talk to one of your local arts organizations about sponsoring a workshop!