How Now, Purple Cow?
Ok, so the cow isn't necessarily purple, but the background sure is! I kept adding color until I thought I had simply gone too far and made it too dark. I put the finished painting away for awhile and when I went back to have a second look, I found that I liked it.
The background is comprised of Phthalo Blue and Winsor Violet. It is applied with the wet on wet technique. I also used watercolor blooms to add a bit of texture to the background. I should have stretched my paper first though, but didn't, so it warped a bit.
YouTube video tips on soaking watercolor paper:
This is just one of the many videos out there on how to stretch watercolor paper. Find the technique that works best for you. This particular instructor gives excellent advice on several different options.
The watercolors used on 'Bessie':
Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith Watercolor Paints
Winsor Violet, Burnt Sienna, French Ultramarine, Lamp Black, Sepia, Paynes Grey and Phthalo Blue
She was sketched and painted on Hot Pressed 9 x 12 in, 140lb watercolor paper.
Hope you like her,
Cheers,
Helen
Link to the Youtube 'work in progress' 4:24 minute video posted in 2018 by Louise De Masi: