Watercolours With Life: The Magic of Watercolour

Sunday, 24 July 2011

The Magic of Watercolour

A Magical Minute

Young Ballet Dancer in a first magical wash

It happens sometimes. That wonderful moment when your brush creates something that is so full of light and life that you simply cannot believe it. I went to close my studio after a working session and felt I needed to clean my palette as there was so much flesh tone left on it. I had been working on portraits. To unwind I felt like throwing anything on paper aimed at the bin.

I picked up a scrap of old watercolour paper from a box I keep them in. I started with a "blob" for a head. My intention at this point was to work downwards adding a body and a leg.Nothing more. But years ago I painted a little girl in a ballet postion at the bar. It is so funny how memories can be triggered. At that time I painted many ballet dancers as they were my then favouriute subject.

The tutu appeared from my wash and then the legs as I moved downwards on the paper. I love the light on the arm.

. I am well on my way to a soft painting with atmosphere and a sense of life.

Maybe when this is finished it could be one for my book.

We will see!

1 comment:

Carol Blackburn said...: How awesome is that, Jean. That's art! I'd love to see you complete this one.; 24 July 2011 at 10:56

Post a Comment

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."