Watercolours With Life: Colour

Saturday 3 July 2010

Colour

Colour matching to the subject.

Only a few days to go until the launch of my first book and at the moment I feel surprisingly calm. So much is happening that finding time to even think about next week is difficult.

I walked into my studio this morning and thought about different sections of my book hoping I have explained how I work clearly enough. In my workshops it is easy to discuss each stage of a painting and answer questions raised. In the written form I had time to think more readily about my style and the steps I take to create a painting.

Following my workshop demonstrations I used to watch as as artists eagerly raced to start painting with neither consideration for their subject taking time to find the most exciting way to capture it in watercolour.Or more importantly taking time to choose the perfect colour to match what they are painting. Now in my classes I ensure everyone has taken time to consider a few important points first.

Time taken with simple exercises on scraps of paper before attacking the "masterpiece" is so worth while. There is so much that is valuable in this " thinking before we act " stage of creating. Imagine painting a daffodil the wrong shade of yellow or a face with the wrong skin tones. Just a few minutes playing with mixes and colour choices beforehand for example can make all the difference to a fantastic and successful result.

In my book I describe a simple warm up exercise to experiment with to help learn about pigment action and colour matching. As I type this I know how quickly I have zoomed over the theory pages in the past of many books I have bought over the years. I have tried to make this section fun, interesting and to be used as a pre painting stage to the demonstrations found later on in my book.

Only a few days to go and I will finally hear from those who are reading my words and looking at my paintings. I can't quite take this in. Still it seems like a dream.

The excitement builds and I think the pre launch nerves should be setting in at any time now!

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2 comments:

Lin said...: Ah Jean -- how I wish I could join you at your exciting opening!!! Alas, a trip 'across the pond' is beyond my means and I'll have to eagerly await your book when SAA lets me order it in the fall. But I have so enjoyed your generous sharings at Wet Canvas .. and wish you all the very best with the launch --- I am green with envy for those who can enjoy you and your work next week!; 3 July 2010 at 12:35
A Brush with Color said...: I can't wait for your book, so I can only imagine how you must feel! The colour matches image here is lovely--and what a good example of your meaning. Hope you're bringing out the bubbly to celebrate. You deserve it.; 3 July 2010 at 14:14

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The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

http://www.townhousefilms.co.uk

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."