Watercolours With Life: Its' a Wrap!

Monday 9 March 2015

Its' a Wrap!

Primroses in Watercolour

Wrapping up flowers. Literally!

It is freezing outside today so painting in my garden wasn't really an attractive option. I don't enjoy my hands being cold! But luckily I spent ages observing primroses yesterday so I am working on several studies in my studio and as always having fun with colour.

I have three paintings on the go. All washes and all very different even though the subject matter is the same. because I am enjoying them so much I just had to share on line too.

Firstly I have created negative edges for the flowers as my starting point. I am keeping them in clusters of yellow and surrounding these with a variety of backgrounds.

Primrose clusters as first washes on my easel

Most of the primroses in my garden are in woodland spots but a few have planted themselves by self seeding amongst the flower beds. I love happy accidents where ever they are, so if they happen in washes on watercolour paper or appear in my garden I leave them and enjoy them!

I love how these creamy yellow flowers seem to nestle in the leaves around them. And the leaves themselves are also fascinating in that they are perfect for using the "wrap" technique to create all those fussy little wrinkles and crinkles!

Primrose wash with cling film applied to the foreground whilst the wash was still wet, to create the intricate patterns for the leaves.

Using a mix of unusual colours like pink or violet instead of just green gives a fabulous sensation of warmth and add interest. ,every one else paints green leaves so why should we?

Be unique!

Artist Tip: Never remove the cling wrap until the pigment and paper is absolutely dry.

Three paintings on the go.

Interestingly the painting on the far right of the easel was painted in my garden whilst my hands were freezing cold. Note the small flowers, neat edges and almost tight result? Now I am in my warm studio I am loosening up far more easily!

N.B. There are primrose washes on my first DVD "Amazing Ways with Watercolour" which can be purchased from Townhouse Films

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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."