Back in the days of film photography, I often used photographs as inspiration for paintings and drawings. Capturing a good photograph took some doing back then, and often the image could be recycled as a more traditional piece of art.
In those days, whenever I got the urge to create, I would arouse the watercolors from their state of suspended animation, and I would search through hundreds of photographs seeking inspiration for a new painting.
And although I don’t find the time to paint as much these days, I find myself with more and more potential subjects. I have probably captured ten times as many digital photographs over the last three years and I had film photographs in the last twenty.
But the process is pretty much the same whether the image was captured on film or digitally. Examine the images, and determine which ones will translate well to another medium.
Try to visualize how you want the finished product to look, and then select an appropriate palette. The key with watercolors is keeping the range of hues under control, and to let the liquid flow.
Use wet paper and large brushes for softness in trees, sky and distant scenery, and dry paper and fine brushes for lines and details.
And don’t worry about your technical skills or lack thereof. Watercolors have a way of taking over on their own, and in most cases, the result is a nice representation of your artistic intentions.
Don’t think about making the painting look like a photograph. It’s not supposed to! Rather, it is your interpretation of the subject in pigment and paper.
And if you at first do not succeed, try again. It’s really very easy, and a lot of fun. And there’s a great satisfaction in producing something durable and lasting.
Photo: Yatesville Georgia Depot C.1985. Painting: Yatesville Depot 1991 by Richard Weisser. 8” x 4” Watercolor.
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Richard, I love both the photo and the watercolor. A man for all seasons you are. Wow! I used to paint, years and years ago, never watercolor though. I think it might be good for the soul.
Very nice, Richard! I so admire people with artistic skills ... the only way I can ever accomplish something like this is with Photoshop :-)
I envy artistic talent of which I have little or none. Great interpretation. You have captured the whimsical effect of the original.
just curious - did you take the photo and assign numbers....just kidding. You have an innate talent my friend. I applaud your artistic flair...whether music or visual arts...the talent is there....did I forget writing? Keep putting your originals out there. Less talented folks like me are inspired to pick up their old guitars, write a new post, and even paint or cook a creative meal. Sometimes I think we just need a nudge. The rest is just us.
Richard - While I love your painting, I am simply IN LOVE with the photo of the shack. I certainly would love to get a small print of it so I could hang it in my office. Any likelihood of that happening?
Richard, your artistry just shines. Your blog is the last I'm reading today, just a nice pleasant end to a long day. Thank you for sharing, I always enjoy your photography as well.
Andrea...
Watercolors make their own way across the paper. That's what makes them so cool! thanks, my friend.
Glenda...
Aw, but it;s not the same. I like the smell of the paints on the wet paper. THX!
Jane...
It's just a matter of trying ... why not give it a go? Thanks.
Richard, you are amazing with your writing skills, photograph and your painting. You are avery artistic man
You are SO talented! I'm thinking it's time to rouse the acrylics from their slumber and remove the wrappers from these blank canvases. Thanks for the inspiration.
Richard~
Always a joy to read ,,view...learn from your posts.
I too, paint with water colors. And I too have painted less and less over the years. And now I prefer the photos. I imagine it's because I can store them on my computer and use them in so many ways, including screensavers. And I really enjoy finding hidden treasures to capture =)
Richard, that is really quite good. I don't seem to have the eye for this, but it always is amazing to see a piece of paper come to life with paint. I use to like that guy on TV who painted a picture in an hour. It waw always amazing how good those pictures came together each week.
Richard, very nice, if I could paint like that, I might be more inspired to do them. Thanks for the art and the photo, they are both very nice!
Richard,
I love both..the photo and the water color. I can see what you mean about interpreting your feeling of the subject on paper and pigment..very cool job!
I was commenting on your newest post and saw the photo and painting in this one. Even if I did not have the time read and comment on a given day I always look at your pictures and paintings!
Stunning interpretations, Richard! I have no talent whatsoever with a brush...
Debi
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The only painting I do is the inside of the house! With the building in the picture, I am looking for he tracks!
Great pictures and great talent on your part! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Congratulations Richard on receiving our Group's Award of Merit. Well done and a most enjoyable Photo story showing off both your photographic skill as well as your artistic interpretation. Thank you for bringing this to our PhotoBlogger group. Well done!
When I was teaching art, I had one practice teacher from Germany. She was so talented. I assigned her the job of teaching watercolor to the kids. She taught me more than I'd ever learned in college. In fact, I learned nothing in college. They just told us to "do it." No techniques, no hints, nothing. You might make an excellent college professor of art. LOL
Richard, so multi talented - you write, you photograph, you paint and you do them all expertly. and on top of all that, you sell real estate too!
Very nicely done! You must have natural talent.