Introducing my first painting of the new year – “Snowy Egret”. I’ve been wanting to paint a snowy egret for a few months now, as I view them as one of the most regal-looking birds. My son actually spotted one of these birds in a nearby neighborhood fishing for a delicious pond snack. He noticed that this egret had a black bill and yellow feet – opposite of our common great egret. Snowy egrets are rare here in Minnesota, so spotting this beauty was a treat!
I went into this painting intending to change up my painting style a little by attempting a looser watercolor style. I’ve always been drawn to detail, but I’ve recently been inspired by some local watercolorists to try loose watercolor (see demonstration below), and I thought the snowy egret would be a good subject to test this style out.
Here is one demonstration by fellow Minnesotan, Andy Evansen:
I love the freedom of the brush and paint when I watch artists perform loose watercolor painting. I was sure I could let loose and finish one of these paintings.
I was wrong.
Halfway through my painting of the snowy egret, I stopped. I wasn’t happy with the colors, wasn’t happy with the tones, and wasn’t quite sure how I could make the painting work. So, the painting sat on my painting table day-after-day, for about a week. I’d walk into the room, stare at the painting from a distance, study the tones and colors, and try to work out exactly how I’d save the painting. Then, I’d walk back out.
Finally, I decided that I would trying painting the eyes and the beak, and then see how I felt about the painting. After all, the eyes tend to make a portrait painting.
Well, it worked. But, my loose watercolor painting went out the window. After I saw the realistic eye, and finely faded beak, I regressed into my realism comfort mode once again. Within 24 hours, I had finished “Snowy Egret”. I stepped back once again, stared at the painting from across the room, and was finally happy with the colors, details, and tones. In fact, “Snowy Egret” has turned into one of my favorite bird paintings.
I’ll have to give loose watercolor painting another go in the near future.
Prints of “Snowy Egret” are now available in the Unbound Roots Shop! For information on original paintings, please contact me here.
He’s beautiful! And I liked your loose start, too. So nice to get the story behind the painting–and to know that your son spotted one in your area. Really lovely post!
Thank you, Rebecca! Your kind words, and comment are much appreciated. Kids are amazing at spotting things. I wouldn’t see half of the interesting things out there without their keen eyes always on the search. Have a great weekend!
I actually really like the mix of a loser style *with* details in a few key aspects.
My mum went through similar phases with her painting style. It took her yeeears to develop a looser, more fluid painting style. I don’t think it is something that can happen overnight. Still, it is sooo fun watching your art develop. You are such a watercolour star!!
I’d love to sit down and chat with your mom about her painting, Josy! I’d love some extra guidance on achieving the looser style. And, thank you! xx
ARGH!! I meant looser style! I did not mean to write loser style!
What a difference that extra o makes!! (lol)
Haha! No offense taken, whatsoever. I’ve wished on more than one occasion that there was an edit option on blog comments. 😉
Beautiful.
Thank you, kindly!
This is just fabulous Erin! Such a talent you have.
Thank you, Debbie! xx
Beautiful!
I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! I appreciate your blog so hope you can participate. 🙂
https://imageearthtravel.com/2019/01/27/sunshine-blogger-award-nomination-3/
Thank you so very much, Nilla! What a wonderful note to wake up to! I’ll be sure to participate in the very near future. Thanks again! xx
Hey…you deserve the nomination. 🙂
As and when, I know that everyone’s busy, it took me over a month before I posted this one. x
It’s so graceful, Erin! Sometimes you just have to follow your heart (or eye) with art, I suppose.
Thank you kindly, Shannon! You’re exactly right. And sometimes it takes awhile for our heart to see a good thing – even when it’s right in front of us. 🙂
Just beautiful and I love her eye and feet.
Thank you for your kind words, Heidi! She just happens to be in an exhibition this Thursday – my first too. Can’t wait!